Burnley don begin find new coach after Scott Parker leave by mutual consent, just eight days after dem drop from Premier League. The Clarets return to Championship for second time in three seasons, wey dem confirm when Man City beat dem 1-0 on 22 April. Dem don win only four of 34 league matches this season and don take just one point from last eight games.
Burnley dey see Wales coach Craig Bellamy as serious candidate for the job, but dem go face wahala to convince am to come back to Turf Moor. Bellamy don coach for Burnley under Vincent Kompany before, and na among those wey dem consider for the top job before Parker come in 2024. But Bellamy dey enjoy im time with Wales and dem say im dey relish the chance to lead the nation to a home European Championship in 2028.
Bellamy get some reservations about the current Burnley squad and how much work e go need this summer, as plenty players likely go leave. No formal bid don come for Bellamy, and Burnley go need to pay release clause of at least £700,000 to get am from im contract with Football Association of Wales. Steven Gerrard don get heavy link with the position but no formal contact, while sources say the Clarets don also check Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.
Burnley assistant manager Mike Jackson go take charge for the last four games of the season, starting with Friday trip to Leeds United. Burnley poor league form don get compound by cup disgrace. Dem don knock out of FA Cup and Carabao Cup by League One teams — Mansfield beat dem for FA Cup and Cardiff for Carabao Cup.
Parker take charge of Burnley in July 2024, sign three-year contract, and lead dem back to Premier League at first time of asking with second-place finish in Championship. “E don be immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years,” e say. “I don enjoy every moment of our journey together but feel that now na right time for both parties to move in different direction. I reflect back with great pride on wetin we achieve during my time at the club, especially our unforgettable promotion season in 2024-25, and e be true honour to lead this team into Premier League.”
Burnley win three of dem first nine league matches this season but losing next seven mean dem plunge into relegation zone. Despite five draws in next seven matches, including defiant performances against Manchester United and Liverpool, a 3-0 thumping by Sunderland followed by loss to fellow strugglers West Ham lead to some fans call for Parker removal. E express frustration at those chants, and chairman Alan Pace support Parker for BBC Football Focus interview, comparing protesting fans to children.
Parker don replace departing Kompany before 2024-25 season. Despite sale of key players that summer, including Wilson Odobert, Sander Berge and Vitinho, Parker guide the Clarets to automatic promotion, losing out on Championship title to Leeds United on goal difference. Im side keep 30 clean sheets in 46 league matches — the most in a season for Championship history. However, Burnley don concede 68 goals in 34 league matches this campaign — the most of any side.
Last season na Parker third time winning promotion to top flight as manager, wey e don do with Fulham in 2020 and Bournemouth in 2022. E don also manage Belgian side Club Brugge, but dem dismiss am in 2023 after winning two of 12 matches in charge. Parker play for Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham before turning to management. E also make 18 appearances for England.
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