​Burnley have confirmed the appointment of Belgian Nicky Hayen as their new head coach, signing the 45-year-old to a three-year contract at Turf Moor. Hayen arrives at the Championship club from Genk, where he most recently oversaw a seventh-place finish in the Belgian top flight. He takes charge after the Clarets parted ways with Scott Parker in April following their relegation from the Premier League.
Hayen’s managerial track record features notable successes, including leading Club Brugge to a league title in 2024 and lifting the cup the following year, although he was dismissed last December after a run of poor form. Burnley chairman Alan Pace outlined the reasoning behind the club’s choice, saying it represents a deliberate and coherent direction for the organization. “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,” Pace stated.
Hayen addressed Burnley supporters, expressing his optimism about taking the helm at a club with a storied history and loyal fans. “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,” he said.
The club’s decision to pursue Hayen followed the collapse of talks with Wales manager Craig Bellamy, who had been strongly linked with the job. Bellamy, who previously spent two years at Burnley as Vincent Kompany’s assistant from 2022 to 2024 after working with the former Manchester City captain at Anderlecht, had seemed close to returning to Turf Moor last month. However, negotiations broke down, and Bellamy remains in charge of the Wales national team.
Bellamy is set to oversee Wales during their Euro 2028 qualification campaign, as the nation aims to secure a place in the tournament to be staged across the UK and Ireland. The 46-year-old has managed 20 matches for Wales, recording eight wins, six draws and six defeats. He guided Wales to the World Cup play-offs, but the team were eliminated in the semi-finals on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Wales have since lost their last three fixtures.