NOT many parents can say their son plays in the richest football league in the world, but one Canvey couple can’t stop saying it.

Wayne and Anita Marney watched their son Dean push Burnley to the promise land of the Premier League after helping them finish runners-up in the Championship this season, and they say the midfielder is desperate to keep the Clarets in the top flight.

The former St Katherine’s Primary School pupil has been ever present in the Turf Moor team’s starting line-up this season, missing games only through injury and suspension, with manager Sean Dyche reluctant to rotate a successful side.

He played a crucial role on Saturday as Burnley drew 2-2 with Reading in their last game of the season and was involved in both of his team’s goals.

Dad Wayne said his son says Dyche is the best manager he has ever played for.

“You only have to hear Dean speak about Dyche to know the amount of respect he has for him. He says he is by far the best boss he has played for and he has got the most out of Dean as well.

“Dean has been playing some brilliant football this season and, although there will be investment in the squad, he has played games at the highest level before so knows what needs to be done.”

Wayne and Anita have lived in Canvey for the last 30 years and are looking forward to watching Dean ply his trade amongst the best in the business next season, after four years in the second tier of English football, coming up against the likes of Yaya Toure and Steven Gerrard in the heart of midfield.

Marney, 30, has already played 60 times in the Premier League for Tottenham and, primarily, Hull City, claiming a number of scalps along the way including a famous win against Arsenal in 2008.

Wayne said: “The Burnley squad is very small compared to that of Queens Park Rangers so what they have done is remarkable.

“We have seen Dean play quite a few times this year because it is difficult for him to come home as often due to commitments. But, having spoken to him after the Reading game, I know he is looking forward to a summer break.

“He is taking the family to Barbados so we are looking forward to that.”

The Burnley enforcer has just over 100 days to recover before the kick-off of the new campaign, with the fixtures revealed in six weeks time.

Wayne said: “Dean will be raring to go and so will we. We can’t wait.”