Burnley appointed Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year contract, the club announced on July 10, 2025 [1, 2, 3]. The 45-year-old Belgian replaces Scott Parker, who left by mutual consent in April following Burnley's relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2021-22 season [1, 2, 3].
Hayen previously led Genk to a seventh-place finish in the Belgian top flight last season and had a stint managing Haverfordwest County in Wales between 2021 and 2022 [1]. In March 2024, he became caretaker manager of Club Brugge, guiding them to the 2023-24 Belgian Pro League title and the Champions League last 16 [2, 3]. He was appointed permanent manager in June 2024, subsequently winning the Belgian Cup and Super Cup and earning Belgium’s Coach of the Year honors the same year [2, 3].
Prior to settling on Hayen, Burnley had targeted Craig Bellamy and Rob Edwards as replacements for Parker, but those options fell through [1]. Club chairman Alan Pace praised Hayen's coaching style, saying, "In Nicky we have a coach who builds teams with a clear identity and improves the players around him. That is the football we want at Turf Moor. 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." [1]
Hayen said, "I'm pleased to be joining a club with real history and supporters who care deeply about it. I know most of them won't know much about me yet, that's fair and it's on me to change it." [1, 2]
Burnley have alternated between promotion and relegation since the 2021-22 season under previous managers Vincent Kompany and Scott Parker [1]. Hayen will join the squad on their pre-season tour in the United States. His first competitive match in charge will be the Carabao Cup first round fixture against Notts County on August 8, 2025 [1].
