NICKY HAYEN CONFIRMED AS NEW BURNLEY BOSS

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2026-07-10T18:00+01:00

NICKY HAYEN CONFIRMED AS NEW BURNLEY BOSS

2026-07-10T18:00+01:00

Belgian appointed as Clarets’ Head Coach

Burnley Football Club confirm the appointment of Nicky Hayen as the Club's new Head Coach on a 3-year contract.

Hayen joins from Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk. He arrives with a strong recent record, having led Club Brugge to the 2023/24 Belgian Pro League title and an impressive run in the Champions League the following season, reaching the round of 16.

Hayen was made Head Coach on a permanent basis in June 2024 and whilst at the club he also won the Belgian Cup, Belgian Super Cup and was named Belgian Coach of the Year 2024.

A former defender, the 45-year-old made over 400 appearances during his playing career in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Speaking after his appointment, Hayen said: “I'm pleased to be joining a club with real history and supporters who care deeply about it. I know most of them won't know much about me yet, that's fair and it's on me to change it.

“What I can tell them is how my teams play. We keep the ball, we press with purpose, and we trust young players with real minutes, not just a place on the bench.

“I'm really looking forward to working with the squad in the US on the pre-season tour. The hard work starts there.”

Chairman Alan Pace said: “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.

“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.”

The Clarets' new Head Coach will link up with the squad on their US pre-season tour, which includes friendlies against FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake, before a trip to Amsterdam to play Ajax, followed by fixtures against Espanyol and Torino FC at Turf Moor.