Very few things to look forward to, come 2021 but one team who has a lot to smile about is Burnley Football Club.
In times where tomorrow is uncertain and the future looking sorely bleak, Burnley has one positive cemented, giving them something to celebrate on New Year’s Eve – while looking onwards to 2021 and the long-term future!
It took time to finalise the deal but American investors ALK Capital have completed the major takeover of the Clarets, passing every check in the “Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test” (Hope Newcastle is taking some notes).
As per Sky Sports, the new owners will control most of the stake at Turf Moor, taking charge of 84 per cent stake at the club.
"American company ALK Capital has completed its takeover of Burnley, acquiring a controlling 84 per cent stake in the Premier League club.The investors announced the completion of the deal, approved and ratified by the Premier League, in a statement released late on Thursday night."
The ball is rolling already following the announcement of the buyout. Putting plans in place and new people in their new positions at the club. Adding to the excitement, the club’s scouting will undoubtedly expand beyond the United Kingdom with this fresh and lucrative investment.
They are really tackling every angle at Turf Moor and have been putting in place modern support systems for a new approach to scouting, analysing, and collecting stats on players – making sure they keep the club’s great academy going and improve their recruiting drastically.
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ALK pre-invested in two London-based football technology firms back in August – said to be AiScout and Player LENS. Both specialise in collecting data and will play an influential role in the club’s transfers in the near and far future.
"Of the 13 players Dyche used against the Blades, only Dutchman Erik Pieters hails from outside the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, and one result of the change in ownership could be an expansion of the club’s scouting and transfer network.Back in August, ALK invested in two London-based football technology firms – AiScout and Player LENS. Both companies are involved in data analytics and predictive assessment of players."
It really is an exciting era for Burnley to be involved in something so life-changing. This does put Sean Dyche in a situation where he must perform week in and week out, though.
Work will most likely be conducted in the January transfer window with them having a quiet summer, doing no business at all. This, a lot to do with the pandemic and its impact on all clubs around the globe, especially the Clarets.
"One of ALK’s first priorities is likely to be a meeting with Dyche, who can expect fresh support in the January transfer window. (Via: Sky Sports)"
If/when they do sign some new faces, Dyche will be expected to deliver a similar season finish to last term, or the ending that saw them make a European qualification a few seasons back. They are off to another slow start sadly, winning their first Premier League fixture on Matchday 8 only.
And because of this poor start to the current campaign, they sit 16th on 16 points. Of late, they’ve impressively turned things around. They’ve collected maximum points in three of their last four games. Two of those victories coming against Arsenal and Wolves.
If Sean Dyche can maintain a solid run, the new chairman in place, Alan Pace who is ALK Capital’s managing partner, will find it hard to just ship him out and rather bring in a manager of world-class calibre to take them to higher heights.