Burnley sack Nicky Hayen after disastrous start to Championship campaign

Burnley have sacked manager Nicky Hayen just 12 games into the Championship season after a disappointing run of results left the club in the relegation zone.

Hayen was appointed in July with the Clarets expected to challenge for an immediate return to the Premier League. However, those ambitions have quickly faded, with Burnley sitting third-bottom of the table and boasting one of the division’s worst defensive records.

Saturday’s 4-1 defeat away to Lincoln City proved to be the final straw, leaving Burnley with just one league victory under the Belgian coach.

The Clarets had entered the campaign among the favourites for promotion, but their poor defensive performances and inability to turn training-ground work into results have put the club in a difficult position.

Burnley confirmed Hayen’s departure in a brief statement, bringing an abrupt end to his time at Turf Moor.

Hayen struggled to turn Burnley’s fortunes around

Hayen’s reign initially began positively, with Burnley defeating League One side Notts County on penalties in the Carabao Cup. However, they were eliminated in the following round after another penalty shootout, this time against Bradford City.

Their only other victory during his spell came in a 4-0 away win against Watford on October 10.

Results in the Championship, however, continued to disappoint, with Burnley struggling to find consistency and repeatedly conceding goals at crucial moments.

Following the defeat to Lincoln, Hayen admitted that his side’s defensive problems had become a recurring issue.

“It’s the same story of the season for us that we keep conceding easy goals and you saw that in the second half,” he said.

The former Burnley boss insisted that the players were putting in the effort during training but acknowledged that their performances on matchdays had not reflected that work.

“They want to work hard, but you have to show it. What we do in training is really good, but we can’t execute that the same way in the games. Is that pressure? I don’t know,” he added.

Hayen also apologised to the supporters, admitting that he understood their frustration after another heavy defeat.

“It’s frustrating for everyone, especially the fans. I want to apologise to them, but I know it doesn’t matter because it’s another hard defeat for them and I can understand their criticism.”

Burnley face a crucial decision over their season

Before his dismissal, Hayen acknowledged that his future was uncertain and that the club’s poor results could eventually cost him his position.

“We haven’t got the results. I will keep on working hard as long as I have the chance. But there will be a day if it carries on like this that it stops,” he said.

Asked whether he expected to remain in charge, Hayen admitted he did not know.

“I don’t know. I know it’s a really tough defeat and something to think about for the board.”

Burnley have now acted on those concerns, ending Hayen’s short spell in charge as they look to arrest their slide down the Championship table.

With the club sitting in the relegation zone despite entering the season with promotion ambitions, their next managerial appointment will be crucial if they are to turn their campaign around and avoid a prolonged battle near the bottom of the division.