royalexile Coppell at the time stated the team wasn't big enough and the extra itinery would screw up the second season. Hmmmm. I think it would have been a case of JM having to invest heavier and far and above what the wage structure already was. In hindsight this would have placed an even greater emphasis on the failure to capitalise on the second season and the relegation of last season. This is in respect of selling off the squad to try and balance the finances.
and then they chose to have preseason in Korea.
And fwiw, we had a season long honeymoon in the Prem. While Burnley continue to attack and take every game as one they could win, they will do well. Given that they're expected to be bottom and adrift, like Hull last season, what they are achieving is immense.