Charlton 0-3 Burnley: Jose Riga and Sean Dyche reaction
Saturday 7 May 2016 17:28, UK
Sean Dyche was disappointed that Burnley weren't presented with the Championship trophy after beating Charlton 3-0.
The sheen was taken off Burnley's celebration after clinching the title by the Football League's decision not to present them with the trophy and winners' medals, due to concerns over crowd control at The Valley.
"It is disappointing but the authorities have made that decision," Dyche said. "But the main thing is we know. We don't need the medals. The medal is in my brain. I know it is there."
The visitors' celebrations during the match were marred by protests from Charlton fans, with the game being constantly interrupted, a number of flares thrown onto the playing area and a fan intruding onto the pitch.
Sam Vokes hit the opener on 20 minutes as the statuesque Charlton defence failed to deal with a Stephen Ward cross and were duly punished.
Burnley consolidated their lead four minutes after the break when Andre Gray found George Boyd, who netted with a left-footed shot.
And Gray added to his assist with a powerful finish after being picked out by Dean Marney to round off the scoring.
Dyche accepts his side will be written off even before they start their Premier League campaign, but feels they are better equipped to deal with the top flight.
"This squad is ready to attempt to stay in the Premier league because it's a massive challenge," he said.
"We were written off last time [in 2014/15], but got 33 points and went close to staying up.
"We'll be written off again this time, and I get it. It's not a problem - that's just the way life is.
"We'll still have to work carefully. There'll be more money available to progress on the pitch. But don't forget everybody else in the Premier League will have money and they'll be more used to spending it.
"Our club's still learning about that. It's a fine balancing act."
Meanwhile, Jose Riga resigned as manager of relegated Charlton amid more protests at the club's ownership during Saturday's 3-0 loss to Burnley, which confirmed the Clarets as Sky Bet Championship champions.
Each goal was greeted with a chant of 'Champeones' from the visiting fans in the Jimmy Steed Stand and a chorus of 'We want Roland out' from the home supporters, the latter aimed at club owner Roland Duchatelet.
Riga informed his players of his decision immediately after the match, and then told the press he had made up his mind "a few days ago".
"It's not necessarily about going down to League One - and I am not a liar," the Belgian said.
"I have taken this decision a few days ago. Even before that it was down to what I saw and could feel.
"Everybody can recognise my investment in Charlton the first time I was here and this time.
"It's not that I think I'm better than League One.
"You succeed in a season before the season when you have the right choices. But it's more than just about players - it's the club structure."
Riga denied he had another club lined up, adding: "There are good reasons for my decision.
"I never thought about another club. The only club in my mind was Charlton. But for me England is the place to be for football. We'll see what happens in the future.
"I've never had regrets about coming here."
Former Charlton boss Chris Powell is among the candidates already being touted to replace Riga, along with Chris Wilder, Steve Cotterill, Dougie Freedman and Michael Appleton.
