FORMER Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes patience will be the best policy for Burnley in the Premier League, from the fans to the footballers, particularly with their formidable start.

With Chelsea and Manchester United the first two visitors to Turf Moor it serves as a reminder that wins will be harder to come by this season than last.

But Smith says a repeat of manager Sean Dyche’s”one game at a time” mantra will serve them well.

“It’s a different mindset coming from the Championship when you’ve been successful to handling defeat and not getting too down about it,” he said.

“It’s a difficult start but there are pluses and minuses to it. On the plus side it adds to the atmosphere.

“Home games will be important, and getting the crowd to stay with you.

“The Burnley fans are very good – they certainly were last time in the Premier League last time – so hopefully that will work in their favour.”

While Burnley are the bookmakers’ favourites for the drop, Smith says it is not necessarily the way for promoted teams.

“There has been a good record for promoted teams over the last few years, with Hull City and Crystal Palace last year, and Southampton before that,” said Smith 

“Hull City are a good template for a club like Burnley. Steve Bruce didn’t spend a lot of money in the summer, and I remember him saying back then he felt he should give the lads who were promoted a chance.

“Although he has had to add to the squad, it sounds like Sean Dyche is saying something similar,” added Smith, who made more than 300 appearances for Arsenal during a career that also included 13 England caps.

“They seem to have a very good manager, someone who has his head screwed on and seems to be going places.

“All of his signings have Premier League experience and I think that’s quite important.

“Steven Reid and Matt Taylor will be important in the dressing room and training ground as much as anything. They are two good lads and really good, solid pros.”