Burnley FC: Three hopes, one fear

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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Burnley’s Sam Vokes applauds the fans at the final whistle during the Premier League match between Burnley and Hull City at Turf Moor on September 10, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Rich Linley/CameraSport via Getty Images) /

Hope #1: That Sam Vokes can turn his Euro 2016 experience into a strong club campaign.

One of the feel good stories of the 2016 European Championship was the Wales national football team and forward Sam Vokes. Vokes was a workhorse for The Dragons in France and scored their third goal in their shock 3-1 victory over Belgium.

The Welsh international earned praise for his ability to help set up his teammates as a holding forward and by directly engaging an opponent’s center-backs. In an age where many strikers seem hesitant towards engaging in physical play Vokes seems to relish in it.

The hope is that Vokes can turn this strong run of form with Wales into a quality season with Burnley in the Premier League. Vokes has certainly showed his scoring touch with Burnley in the Football League Championship. In Burnley’s two previous stays in the former second division Vokes scored 20 and 15 goals respectively. However, when Burnley made their last jump to the Premier League Vokes was held goalless.

The good news for Burnley supporters is that Vokes has already snapped his goalless mark in the Premier League with his third minute strike against Liverpool in the second minuted. If Vokes can make the next step as a striker then Burnley’s chances of staying up will be significantly improved.

Next: Hope #2: That Andre Gray can make the jump to the Premier League

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