Burnley sack Nicky Hayen after one win in 12 games amid back-to-back relegation threat

Burnley have sacked head coach Nicky Hayen with immediate effect after a 4-1 Championship defeat at Lincoln City left the club third from bottom of the table and facing the prospect of a second consecutive relegation.

Hayen, 46, was appointed in July as a replacement for Scott Parker following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, but managed only one win in 12 league games during his three-month tenure. The Clarets sit three points from safety after six defeats in the Championship this season.

A brief club statement confirmed the decision: “Burnley Football Club has dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen with immediate effect. The Board has taken the decision following a disappointing start to the Championship season.”

The Belgian coach had been a third-choice appointment after Burnley failed to secure their primary targets. Wales manager Craig Bellamy and former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Rob Edwards were both approached before the club turned to Hayen, who had previously managed Belgian side Genk.

In a post-match press conference held before news of his dismissal broke, Hayen had offered an apology to supporters while acknowledging his position was under threat. “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,” he said.

“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. I don’t know if I will still be in charge. I know it’s a really tough defeat and something to think about for the board.”

Burnley now face an urgent search for their third head coach in little over a year, with the club needing an immediate upturn in form to avoid dropping into League One for the first time since 2016.