Burnley sack head coach Hayen with 26-word statement

Hayen sacked after just 12 games with Burnley bottom of the Championship; won only one league match since July appointment.

Burnley have dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the Championship season. The Belgian, appointed in July, oversaw just one win in 12 league fixtures and saw his side lose 4-1 at Lincoln on Saturday. Burnley were pre-season promotion favourites but sit third-bottom in the relegation zone with the joint-worst defensive record in the league.

Hayen's only league victory came in a 4-0 win at Watford on October 10. After Saturday's defeat, he apologised to supporters and acknowledged the pressure, saying "It's frustrating for everyone, especially the fans" and admitting "there will be a day if it carries on like this that it stops." The club's statement confirmed the dismissal was due to the disappointing start to the season.