CLARKE Carlisle is determined to dispel the theory that Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League is a fairytale.

The Clarets were among some bookmakers’ favourites to go down last year, but upset the odds by winning the Championship play-off final to end a 33-year exile from the top flight.

With the lowest budget in the division, smallest wage bill and one of the lowest capacities, few outside Burnley are now backing Owen Coyle’s plucky side to avoid relegation.

But with the new season just four days away, central defender Carlisle is confident they can prove their doubters wrong.

“I don’t think that within these four stands or within the town boundary limits that we feel it’s a fairytale,” said the 30-year-old. “That’s the view of people outside of Burnley.

“Last season our drive and focus was on promotion, we believed we could achieve it and the gaffer instilled in the squad the belief, the appetite and the desire to achieve it and we did.

“Now we’re here in the Premier League we believe we have more than enough to cause problems for other teams and we have more than enough to stay in the Premier League. So other people’s view and visions, be what they may, they’re not ours and we need to make sure that when we step out on a Saturday we’re not sidetracked by things that go on left, right and centre.

“When you’re in the biggest league in the world, everything up there under massive scrutiny and the focus is on whatever the media can spin on it, but we need to make sure that behind the scenes we’re focused and levelled and we’re just concentrating on the job in hand.”

Manager Coyle will be largely responsible for maintaining a positive train of thought. And Carlisle admitted he was never in any doubt that the Scot would lead their Premier League charge this year, despite summer links to boyhood club Cetlic following the departure of Gordon Strachan.

“From a personal point of view I really didn’t want to see the manager leave and I couldn’t see it happening because when he’s building something, and something that I believe – and I’m sure he does – that is so special here, and what we achieved last season, why would you drop it at the first turn?” said the former QPR stopper.

“And also, for managers, the chances don’t come around that often to be a Premier League manager, and I’m sure that the gaffer wanted to step up to this stage and show what he’s capable of, and he’s more than capable.”

Yet while Carlisle is adamant Burnley have earned the right to compete in the Premier League, he admitted he spent the first few weeks after promotion pinching himself at the prospect.

“I think half of the summer was spent in disbelief re-watching the play-off final over and over again to make sure it actually happened, and then the second half is focused on if and when your chance comes around that you’re at your peak to stake a claim and stay in the side,” said the defender, whose previous Premier League experience, with Watford, was blighted by injury.

“I need to make sure that my focus isn't on what's gone before, I just need to make sure that I enjoy the and whatever chances I get in the Premier League, and when I do get them make sure that I bring everything that I believe I can to the team.

“It’s the pinnacle of your career to play in the Premier League, it’s what every player wants to do and where every player wants to play. When you achieve it you need to make sure your next goal is staying there. You want to play there year on year.”