Alex Ferguson built Manchester United into a dynasty — but his influence stretched far beyond Old Trafford. The legendary manager was known for offering guidance to coaches early in their careers, and Sean Dyche is one of those who benefited directly from that generosity.

Dyche took charge of Burnley in 2012 after a brief stint at Watford, and he would go on to spend a decade at Turf Moor. Almost immediately after landing the job, he crossed paths with Ferguson at a charity event.

"He came straight over and gave me his number," Dyche recalled on The Good, The Bad & The Football, in partnership with Midnite. He was careful to clarify the nature of their relationship: "It wasn't really mentoring because that presupposed as though he was ringing me all the time. It wasn't like that."

The advice that changed everything

As Burnley pushed for promotion during the 2013-14 season, Dyche found himself gripped by doubt in March, unsure whether his side could sustain their momentum to the finish line. He picked up the phone to Ferguson.

"I was fearful it was going to hit the wall," Dyche said. "So I rang him and I said, 'What do you think?'"

Ferguson's reply was as direct as it was revealing: "Tell everyone how fit you are, how strong you are, and how you're going to be relentless this season. I said that about Manchester United and I had no foundation — I just put it out there. Keep saying it, and saying it, and saying it."

Dyche took the advice to heart. Burnley lost just two Championship matches after the turn of 2014, both at home, and embarked on a 15-game unbeaten league run. Fuelled by 21 league goals from Danny Ings, the Clarets clinched automatic promotion in second place — behind Leicester City — finishing the season on 93 points and eight clear of Derby County in third.

"We just kept winning, and winning, and winning," Dyche recalled.

A decade of Turf Moor success

Though Burnley were relegated from the Premier League the following season, they bounced straight back — winning the Championship again in 2015-16, also on 93 points. The club remained in the top flight until 2022, when they were relegated just weeks after Dyche was dismissed. Burnley have since experienced promotion or relegation in every subsequent season.

Ferguson's influence on English football has always run deeper than his trophy cabinet suggests — and Dyche's story is a testament to that.