Burnley Fan View: Wood, Cork, Walters - new signings assessed

With almost a month passed since the window closed, and six Premier League games played, now is a good time to have a look at which new signings have impressed at for Burnley so far.

Charlie Taylor – 7/10

Taylor came from Leeds for an undisclosed fee and I found it hard to believe he would have the quality to replace Stephen Ward, who was a contender for Player of the Season in my eyes. Taylor, like all of our signings would have to prove himself first in training, and then in his handful of starts for the club. Its a harsh but fair way to blood new players and I appreciate Dyche’s loyalty to the players who have been there and done that for him.

Taylor has played in two games, both cup ties against Blackburn and Leeds. In the win at Ewood I thought he was excellent and roamed the left wing well thanks to the inferior opposition. He did feel more like a wing back come winger at times. This is vital in his role for us tactically and he is similar to Ward in that sense. Against Leeds he showed character as the Leeds fans hurled abuse at him for 120 minutes but he still put in a really good shift, even though we lost on penalties.

All in all I think Taylor is an exciting player and is definitely a long term option to replace Ward at full back. Hopefully he will learn a lot from Wardy this season.

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Chris Wood – 8/10

Wood made the perfect start to his Burnley career, coming on as a substitute to score against Spurs in the dying seconds to rescue a point. He drew a blank in one half against Blackburn but got in some dangerous positions and looked threatening all game. He proceeded to score the only goal against Crystal Palace and had a forgettable afternoon against Huddersfield.

I think the fact Wood has already dislodged Sam Vokes in our league starting eleven speaks volumes, and he definitely offers something different to Sam. His pace is much better and whilst he isn’t any bigger he is more physical in his game. He probably lacks Vokes’ technique and he could do a better job of staying onside but I think he will be a big player for us.

Jonathan Walters – 6/10

Walters started off brightly but after a bad tackle in the Cup at Blackburn he has been limited since. I thought he did a good team job in the early part of the season and has a strong work ethic – crucial when you are replacing George Boyd (4/5 of the earth are covered by the ocean, the rest is covered by George Boyd). I still think he needs a good run in the team to prove his worth and I think having a front four of him, Barnes, Vokes and Wood will be useful when we go more direct.

Given the low investment, I think Burnley will be happy with Walters’ contribution so far.

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Jack Cork – 8/10

Cork was my favourite signing of the summer. He was superb in his first 18 month spell with us and I was dismayed when we didn’t move heaven and Earth to get him here on a permanent deal.

Cork has quickly become one of the first names on the team sheet and has forged a solid relationship with both Hendrick and Defour. Steven Defour has really come out of his shell since and seems to relish playing with Cork who is easy on the ball and always looks to receive the ball. I still think Cork is a bargain at £10m, he hasn’t done anything to make me change my mind on that.

It’s still early days for sure, and there are players not mentioned here due to a lack of game time, but I think we can be happy with the input we have received from our new boys so far.