- Published10 July 2026, 18:20 BST
Burnley have appointed Genk boss Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year deal.
The 45-year-old Belgian replaces Scott Parker, who left by mutual consent at the end of April as the Clarets suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Hayen, who had a spell with Welsh side Haverfordwest County between 2021 and 2022, led Genk to a seventh-placed finish in the Belgian top flight last season.
"I'm pleased to be joining a club with real history and supporters who care deeply about it," he told the club website., external
"I know most of them won't know much about me yet, that's fair and it's on me to change it."
The Clarets previously approached the Football Association of Wales looking to appoint men's national team head coach Craig Bellamy, who was on the staff during Vincent Kompany's time in charge, but the move collapsed during negotiations around the make-up of the backroom staff.
Former Wolves boss Rob Edwards also turned down an approach from the Turf Moor club to replace Parker.
Hayen will now join up with the team on their pre-season tour in the United States.
His first competitive match in charge will be the Carabao Cup first round tie against Notts County on Saturday, 8 August.
Can Hayen bring stability to yo-yoing Clarets?
Burnley enjoyed six successive seasons in the Premier League between 2016 and 2022, largely under the management of Sean Dyche.
However, since going down in 2021-22 they have alternated between promotion to or relegation from the top flight under first Kompany and then Parker.
"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," chairman Alan Pace said.
"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."
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