To get back to the Turf is good

Last updated : 14 August 2015 By Tony Scholes

Gary Rowett is starting his first full season in charge at Birmingham after replacing Lee Clark during last season and he's expecting a tough game.

He said: "We know that Burnley away will probably be one of our toughest tests this season if you look on paper, but as we know the games don't always pan out like that.

"In every game you have got to be at it, respect the opposition and nullify what they do.

"We have got some players out there, the likes of Demarai Gray, Clayton Donaldson, Dave Cotterill, Jon Toral and Andy Shinnie can hurt any team in any division."

Sean Dyche is looking forward to taking his place in the home dug out for the first time in a competitive game since we drew 0-0 against Stoke in the last home game of the Premier League season.

"We go to win every game, but on reflection I look back to a really good point at Leeds," he said. "I documented that after the game and I really meant it. I felt it was a really tough game on that given day.

"We performed well and I wasn't totally disappointed in the performance on Tuesday. We didn't get the result, but I still felt the team delivered a fair performance. We just didn't show that cutting edge in the top third, where it's important.

"But the reality is it's the league, that is vital to us. Everyone knows that. I have great value in the cups but the league is the big thing for us, so it's important that we turn in a big performance on Saturday to take all three points."

He added: "To get back to the Turf is good, after a while away, and home crowds and home backing are always great to have. I've grown to know the fans will get right behind us with a real positivity and I don't see why that would change. I think they will be looking forward to seeing the team perform.

"Of course, that doesn't guarantee you anything. You still have to go out and perform, home and away and that's the key element for me."

Rowett improved things at Birmingham when he went in there last season and that hasn't gone unnoticed by Dyche.

He said: "The manager there did well to go in and calm things down when they were having an awkward time. He did a good job and he will want to put his own feel to the camp now.

"When you take over you are trying to mould what you have to get you where you need to be. In their case, I don't think they were ever in true trouble, but they were drifting a little. But they secured their Championship place quite easily in the end.

"He will have moulded them into more of what he wants and they've had a decent start and they're another side to be reckoned with.

"They've had their ups and downs, but they're still a big club and will want to perform well, as we do."