Burnley appoint Hayen as new head coach

Burnley have appointed Genk boss Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year deal, replacing Scott Parker who left by mutual consent after the club's relegation from the Premier League. The 45-year-old Belgian, who previously managed Haverfordwest County, led Genk to a seventh-placed finish in the Belgian top flight last season. Hayen expressed his pleasure at joining a club with real history and acknowledged that fans may not know much about him yet, saying it is on him to change that. The Clarets had previously approached Wales manager Craig Bellamy and former Wolves boss Rob Edwards, but both moves fell through. Hayen will join the team on their pre-season tour in the United States, with his first competitive match being a Carabao Cup first round tie against Notts County on August 8. Chairman Alan Pace described Hayen as a coach who builds teams with a clear identity and improves players, emphasizing the club's focus on a strong season and a return to the Premier League.