Ever had that one person in your life that was there for you when nobody else was? That one person that believed in you when the whole world seemed to have turned their backs on you?
Well, such is the story of Tottenham Hotspurs Defender Kieran Trippier and Burnley manager Sean Dyche.
Trippier has credited Sean Dyche with helping turn his career around during a time when he says he was drinking and not looking himself properly.
The 28-year-old represented the Clarets for three years before joining Spurs in 2015, where he has developed into one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.
While Mauricio Pochettino has undoubtedly played a big part in Trippier’s development over recent years, the ‘Bury Beckham’ is also grateful for the impact Dyche has had on his career.
“He helped me a lot,” Trippier told the Burnley Express: “I was still going out when I was younger – drinking – and I wasn’t looking after myself properly. He came in and sorted it all out.
“The gaffer was a quality manager to play for; he taught me how to become a better defender as well as a better attacker.
“We were close when I was at Burnley and I would love to play for him again one day. We usually talk once every two weeks, just to keep each other updated on things. We’ve always stayed in contact, we’ve always had that kind of relationship. We’ve probably become even closer since I left.
“We just have that understanding, I think everybody that plays for him does. Hopefully one day it will happen; never say never.”
Trippier is set to return to Turf Moor this weekend when Tottenham take on Burnley.