Why Sean Dyche credits ex-Chesterfield boss John Duncan with having a big influence on his managerial career

Dyche, 48, played under Duncan, 71, for four seasons at Chesterfield between 1993 and 1997.

The pair experienced success together when Town, captained by Dyche, famously reached the FA Cup semi-final in 1997.

Initially, Dyche “couldn’t stand” Duncan and did not know what he wanted him to do, he told The Athletic.

But things changed when Duncan “did brilliantly” in securing the centre-half a new contract.

They have remained in contact ever since and the Burnley boss still rings him now to ask for advice.

On Duncan getting him a new contract, Dyche said: “I owed him then. Even though we didn’t get on he did that for me.

“John didn’t get emotional about things. I feel it is a strength of mine too. I don’t hold grudges. I don’t get emotional about players — good, bad or indifferent — I don’t get too high or low with it and I don’t judge people that much, especially footballers.

“I really value his opinion. He is very honest, and he has been a very important figure in my beliefs because he’s been very influential on what I think is correct and how football should be done.

“First of all, how you should win. He was a winner. Development at youth level is one thing but at first-team level you have to win — or at least win enough or else you are out.

“Once the team bought into what it should be doing players started to flourish.”

Dyche, who has been manager of Burnley since 2012, made more than 200 appearances for the Blues before leaving for Bristol City.

While in charge at the Clarets he has won promotion to the Premier League twice.

The ex-defender, who scored a penalty in the 1997 FA Cup semi-final classic against Middlesbrough, helped the Spireites out this season by allowing them to sign wing-back Jordan Cropper on loan in January.