Burnley have sacked head coach Nicky Hayen following a 4-1 loss to Lincoln City, leaving the Clarets in the Championship relegation zone. The Belgian manager, hired in summer, oversaw just one win from the first 12 league games and presided over the club's joint-worst defensive record.
Hayen apologised to supporters after the match, acknowledging the team's failure to execute training work in games and conceding that "it's a really tough defeat" for the board to consider. The sacking was confirmed in a 26-word club statement citing a "disappointing start to the Championship season."
The Clarets had been promotion favourites in pre-season but sit third-bottom with only one win in their last 12 fixtures. Their only other victory came in a 4-0 win at Watford on October 10, while they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Bradford on penalties after beating Notts County.
Nicky Hayen, 4-1, Burnley, Lincoln
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing