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Burnley coach Sean Dyche dismisses links to Derby job

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has dismissed speculation linking him with Derby.

Recent reports claimed Dyche has been lined up as a possible successor to Steve McClaren, who is the bookmakers' favourite to take over at Newcastle.

Dyche says he remains committed to the task in hand at Turf Moor, though.

"I think it's quite obvious, I am enjoying the challenge here. I am not looking further afield,'' the Burnley boss said. "I am enjoying the challenge here.''

Dyche has retained the support of the Burnley fans throughout the season even though the club are now second from bottom with just seven matches to go.

The same cannot be said for the man who will be in the away dugout at Turf Moor this weekend, though.

Some Arsenal fans called for Arsene Wenger's head following a difficult start to the season.

Dyche remains a big fan of the Gunners boss and cannot comprehend why there were calls for the three-time Premier League winner to be sacked.

"They're a fine side, who keep progressing despite what people say,'' said Dyche, who took Burnley up last year after finishing second in the Sky Bet Championship.

"Arsene seems to get questioned, I don't know why, I think the job he's done is terrific.

"Of course, I'm aware fans would like to have won more trophies in recent years but, as a young manager aspiring to progress in the game, I look at people like him thinking 'you haven't done badly if you have a career like his'.''

Dyche hopes Matt Taylor (Achilles), Ross Wallace (knee) and Steven Reid (calf) will be fit for the visit of the Gunners, who have won their last seven games in all competitions.