Burnley appoint Nicky Hayen on three-year deal after Craig Bellamy talks collapse

Burnley have appointed Belgian coach Nicky Hayen as their new head coach, signing the 45-year-old to a three-year contract at Turf Moor as the Championship club look to rebuild after last season’s Premier League relegation.

Hayen arrives from Belgian Pro League side Genk, where he most recently guided the club to a seventh-placed finish. His previous role saw him lead Club Brugge to a league title in 2024 and a cup triumph the following year, before he was sacked in December after a dip in form.

He replaces Scott Parker, who left Burnley in April following their relegation from the top flight.

The appointment comes after an earlier move to bring Craig Bellamy back to Turf Moor collapsed. Bellamy, who spent two years at Burnley as Vincent Kompany’s assistant between 2022 and 2024, had appeared set to return to the club last month, but talks broke down. The 46-year-old will now remain as Wales manager and lead the national side through their Euro 2028 qualification campaign. In 20 matches in charge, Bellamy has recorded eight wins, six draws and six defeats, and steered Wales to the World Cup play-offs before they were eliminated by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the semi-finals.

Burnley chairman Alan Pace outlined the club’s direction under Hayen: “This is a considered appointment that fits how we intend to run the club. We have backed a clear footballing plan within a sustainable model and Nicky has the support to deliver it. Our focus now is a strong season and a return to the Premier League on solid foundations.”

Hayen acknowledged he will need to earn the trust of supporters unfamiliar with his work. “I’m pleased to be joining a club with real history and supporters who care deeply about it,” he said. “I know most of them won’t know much about me yet — that’s fair and it’s on me to change it.”