Burnley Appoint Nicky Hayen as New Head Coach on Three-Year Deal

Jul 10, 2026 3 min read 8 views

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Burnley have appointed Belgian manager Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year deal following relegation from the Premier League. The 45-y...

Burnley Turn to Belgian Boss Hayen

Burnley have appointed Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year contract, the club has confirmed. The 45-year-old Belgian arrives from Genk to replace Scott Parker, who left by mutual consent in April after the Clarets suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Hayen becomes the latest man tasked with guiding the Lancashire side back to the top flight, a challenge the club has faced with increasing regularity in recent seasons.

Who is Nicky Hayen?

Hayen is best known for leading Club Brugge to the Belgian Pro League title in 2023-24 and reaching the Champions League last 16 the following campaign, where they lost to Aston Villa. He was sacked by Brugge in December 2025 after a defeat by Sint Truiden but returned to management just two weeks later at Genk, guiding them to a seventh-place finish last term.

His only previous role outside Belgium was a brief spell with Welsh side Haverfordwest County between 2021 and 2022.

Reaction to the Appointment

"I'm pleased to be joining a club with real history and supporters who care deeply about it," Hayen told the club website. "I know most of them won't know much about me yet, that's fair and it's on me to change it."

Chairman Alan Pace added:

"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."

The Search for a New Manager

Burnley had initially targeted Wales national team boss Craig Bellamy, who was part of Vincent Kompany's backroom staff at Turf Moor, but talks collapsed over the coaching set-up. Former Wolves manager Rob Edwards also turned down an approach.

What Next for Burnley?

Hayen will join the squad on their pre-season tour in the United States. His first competitive match will be a Carabao Cup first-round tie against Notts County on Saturday, 8 August, followed by a Championship opener at home to fellow relegated side West Ham United the following Sunday.

Key Takeaways

Burnley have named Belgian Nicky Hayen as head coach on a three-year deal after relegation.
Hayen won the Belgian title with Club Brugge in 2023-24 and has limited experience outside his homeland.
The Clarets missed out on primary targets Craig Bellamy and Rob Edwards before turning to Hayen.
Chairman Alan Pace stressed the appointment fits a sustainable long-term plan to return to the Premier League.
Hayen's first competitive game is an EFL Cup tie at Notts County on 8 August.