Walker targets instant Burnley top-flight return

Burnley defender Kyle Walker has warned his team-mates they cannot "have a hangover" after relegation as they target an immediate Premier League return.

The Clarets finished 19th in the top flight last season and begin their Championship campaign on Sunday at home to West Ham, another team relegated in 2025-26.

Burnley have dropped down from the Premier League in 2021-22 and 2023-24, only to then instantly win promotion at the first attempt.

Former England international Walker, 36, feels those at the club cannot feel sorry for themselves if they are to return to the elite.

Speaking at the EFL launch day in Manchester, he said: "I'm very excited, it's a different challenge for me personally but it's all about the club and bouncing back to the Premier League – that is vital.

"This club has had ups and downs, but we need to bounce back and stay in the Premier League for the things this club does for everyone.

"It's about your mentality. The lads have had a taste of the Premier League but we don't want to have a hangover and we want to make sure they are on the ball from the first minute.

"We have an obligation to be - to themselves, their team-mates and also the fans that support this club."

Burnley only won four top-flight games last season, finishing 19 points behind 17th-placed Tottenham.

However, Walker, who won the Premier League six times with Manchester City and also the Champions League, feels there is plenty to be excited about for Clarets supporters.

"At the start of last season we actually did well, we put in a decent run of performances but did not get the points we deserved," Walker said.

"We conceded penalties in the last minute, but that's the cruel world of football, especially in the Premier League, and by the end of it we were a bit far off and we went too many games without getting a win.

"But it is a learning curve for these young players and hopefully they have the fire in their bellies to get back up. Everyone knows what the Championship is like, it is a difficult league and there are going to be expectations for a lot of clubs.

"I'm very excited for it. I was lucky enough to play the first part of the season [on loan] with QPR [in 2010-11] and get a promotion medal.

"But I want to do a full season and do the celebrations and parade at the end of it – and I want to do it with this club, which has a place in my heart."