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Sean Dyche hails 'unbelievable' Burnley season after QPR victory

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Sean Dyche was soaked with water by his players in the changing rooms mid-interview as they celebrated their promotion to the Premier League

Burnley boss Sean Dyche savoured an "unbelievable" season after victory over QPR on Monday secured a return to the Premier League.

Sam Vokes scored the only goal of the game in the 61st minute as the Clarets ensured they will finish in the top two in the Championship this season.

Dyche has been in charge of the club since 2012, overseeing their promotion to the top flight in 2013/14, their relegation the following year and a 22-game unbeaten this season from Boxing Day.

"Two years ago, we went under the radar," he told Sky Sports. "This year we have gone 22 games unbeaten and won promotion. That is unbelievable.

"Ian Holloway once said we had a strong jaw. He meant it as a compliment. We don't think we are the real deal, not at all, but we're a real group of people.

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Highlights from Burnley's win over QPR

"The result counted today. We know we are miles better than the performance, but the resilience and work ethic was on show again today."

While Dyche was content for his players to mark the occasion in style, he planned to recreate his modest celebration from the previous promotion campaign.

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"It feels fantastic," said the Burnley boss to reporters. "It's marvellous. But I'll be in the car later, driving down the M6 with my kids and my wife," he said.

"I'll probably grab a coffee like I normally do. Two years ago, people were staring at me like 'is he really in here getting a coffee?', but I am normal, I do have a life, and that's what I'll be doing.

"The lads will get a couple of days off, no mistake, and if they have a couple of drams they deserve it.

Burnley celebrate promotion after beating QPR. (Mark Robinson/Sky Bet)
Image: Burnley celebrate promotion after beating QPR. (Mark Robinson/Sky Bet)

"But come Thursday, or Wednesday, they'll be ready to train. We've got a chance to win the title now and we must be ready to take it."

There were joyous celebrations at Turf Moor, with fans pouring on to the pitch while Dyche and his charges took in the moment with their families.

But the manager was eager to stress that promotion was only one part of the season's aims. Having finished second to Leicester in 2013/14, his eyes are firmly on lifting the Championship trophy.

"We'll be focused on Saturday (against Charlton) I can assure you. We were runners-up last time don't forget," Dyche added.

"So we want to win it. That will be the focus. We'll go and win it, that's our job. Let's enjoy it now because this is another part of history for this club and history runs deep here."

While Dyche is enjoying promotion again, it is a first for Vokes, who missed the end of the last promotion campaign and much of the season in the top flight due to injury.

"It's magic, it's a great feeling," he said. "I missed out last time and was gutted, but I get another chance now. It's magic round here. We tried to put the tension to one side. You could feel it, but we did it."

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