Burnley Football Club have dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the Championship season, compounded by Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Lincoln City.
The club’s board decided to terminate the Belgian’s appointment after a series of disappointing results left the Clarets struggling in the lower reaches of the Championship table.
Hayen’s dismissal comes after Burnley suffered a heavy defeat against newly promoted Lincoln City on Saturday, October 24, despite taking the lead in the first half.
Andreas Hountondji put Burnley ahead, but Ben House equalised in first-half stoppage time before Mikkel Ladefoged and Dom Jefferies scored to turn the game around. Ladefoged subsequently completed his brace to seal a comprehensive victory for Lincoln.
The result extended Burnley’s difficult run, with the team recording just one league victory in their opening 12 matches of the campaign, leaving them in the relegation zone.
Hayen had come under increasing pressure following a string of disappointing performances, including a 2-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 16.
The Belgian had previously acknowledged that his position was under threat amid growing frustration among supporters over the club’s results.
His departure marks another managerial change for Burnley as the club seeks to revive its campaign and improve its position in the Championship.
Hayen was appointed head coach in July 2026 after leaving Belgian side Genk. He previously gained recognition for his achievements with Club Brugge, where he won the Belgian league title and guided the club through European competition.
