SEAN Dyche has hailed Michael Duff as a ‘great servant’ for Burnley after the centre half announced his decision to retire from the game.

The 38-year-old made the announcement at the Player of the Year awards dinner at Turf Moor.

Duff, who signed for the Clarets for £30,000 from Cheltenham in July 2004, is going to stay on at the club in a coaching capacity.

On Saturday he became the first Burnley player to win three promotions to the top flight and Dyche praised his influence on the club.

“When I got here, people were saying he might be on the edge of going down the way instead of up the way, and I take people as I find,” said the Clarets chief.

“He played virtually every game for me two years ago in the promotion season, and then a lot of games in the Premier League.

“This season, he played the first half, fantastic – 37/38 playing in the Premier League and a promotion-winning team twice in three years? Superb.”

Duff started the first 23 league games of the season this year. But he made way after Boxing Day as Ben Mee moved into the centre of defence alongside Michael Keane and Stephen Ward came in at left-back.

But on Saturday, he made a final, farewell appearance, coming off the bench five minutes from the end with Burnley fans in party mode at The Valley.

Duff replaced Keane, who was born on the same date as his former partner at the back 15 years later, and was given the captain’s armband by Tom Heaton.

He was then serenaded by chants of ‘You’ll always be a Claret’ from the away end as his 384th, and final, Burnley appearance ended in another promotion.

It was also Duff’s 721st senior appearance in a career that has taken in just two clubs, and he will have plenty of experience to bring to a coaching role at the club.

“He’ll be staying with us on the coaching staff,” said Dyche. “We’re defining his role at the minute.

“He’s been brilliant, an amazing servant to the club.”