Danny Drinkwater has named former Burnley assistant Ian Woan as the football figure he would most like to punch. The 36-year-old former midfielder made the candid admission while reflecting on his short and unsuccessful loan spell at Turf Moor during the 2019/20 season.
Drinkwater joined Burnley on loan from Chelsea but managed only two competitive appearances. He struggled for match fitness, was sidelined after an altercation outside a Manchester nightclub, and found himself behind Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood in the pecking order. His loan was cut short in January and he returned to Stamford Bridge.
Injury and fitness issues were a major factor, but even when fit, he was unable to break into Sean Dyche's established midfield. His limited impact is a stark contrast to the current Burnley side's struggles, as the Clarets sit in the Championship with just four points from eight games. The team has scored only 5 goals while conceding 12.
Speaking on a podcast, Drinkwater was asked to name a football figure he'd love to punch. "Him and Sean Dyche together is a terrible combo, it’s a shocking combo. That’s probably about it," he said. He added that Woan, while a nice guy, knew how to rub him up the wrong way. Drinkwater acknowledged some Burnley fans loved the Dyche-Woan partnership, but he did not share that view.
Burnley supporters are unlikely to sympathise with Drinkwater given how his loan spell unfolded. The comments resurface as the current team seeks to improve on a recent run of form, with their next challenge a trip to face Watford. The club will hope for better returns from its current squad as they look ahead to future fixtures.
Burnley's next match is away at Watford on Saturday, 10 October.
Background and full detail: Burnley Express
