3 new Burnley boss nicknames as Chelsea comparison loses sparkle

Jose Mourinho’s recent antagonism of Burnley will be punished in the sternest possible fashion, with Clarets supporters threatening to desist from referring to their manager Sean Dyche as the “Ginger Mourinho”.

The affable midlander first inherited the nickname as a compliment in the Championship and proved his worthiness by guiding the club to automatic promotion last term.

Dyche has left a positive impression on the Premier League too, with Burnley in the relegation zone on goal difference alone and looking an attractive bet at 13/8 to stay up.

However, Mourinho’s persecution of Ashley Barnes following his “criminal” challenge on Nemanja Matic, coupled with Dyche’s masterfully measured-yet-cutting riposte has convinced the Turf Moor regulars that their man has too much class to be saddled with such a moniker.

Who should they compare him to instead? Here are a few options:

Ginger Montella

For those not overly familiar with Dyche’s coaching career, he got his start in Watford’s youth setup, worked his way up to managing the senior squad, was harshly dismissed by new owners, then exposed their folly by excelling at next employers Burnley.

His Italian equivalent is Vincenzo Montella, who scaled the ladder at Roma, performed capably when given an audition, was jilted in favour of Luis Enrique – who was a disaster – then confirmed himself as one of Serie A’s brightest dugout prospects with Catania and Fiorentina.

Only the hairstyles and accents tell them apart.

Ginger Coppell

The last promoted boss to win the LMA Manager of the Year award, which Dyche has a slim chance of claiming if he steers his side to safety, was Steve Coppell in 2006/07, retaining a prize that he also won the year before for a 106-point promotion campaign.

There are several similar traits: their quiet authority, calm handling of the media and confidence that stockpiling Premier League veterans isn’t a necessity to achieve survival, right down to the detail of staying loyal to their strikers who bossed the Championship.

Ginger Mee

One of Dyche’s most notable habits this season has been picking the same XI in almost every game. Nine players have started at least 20 of their 26 Premier League fixtures, with seven picked for 23 or more and three fulfilling the full complement.

One of the most successful ever snubs of squad rotation was provided by Arsenal’s double-winning 1970/71 team, who were led by Bertie Mee (no relation of Burnley defender Ben).

They required a mere 16 players to navigate a 64-match campaign across all competitions, with two – Bob Wilson and George Armstrong – going the distance.

Is there a more apt comparison to Dyche? Then tell us about it with a comment below…

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