Nicky Hayen appointed Burnley’s new Head Coach on a 3-year deal
Hayen looks to lead Burnley back to Premier League success
Burnley Football Club have announced Nicky Hayen as their new Head Coach on a three-year contract.
Joining from Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk, Hayen brings a strong managerial record to Burnley.
He previously led Club Brugge to a Belgian Pro League title and took them to the Champions League round of 16.
Under his leadership, Club Brugge also secured the Belgian Cup, Belgian Super Cup, and he was named Belgian Coach of the Year 2024.
Hayen, a former defender from Belgium, had an extensive playing career with over 400 appearances across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Upon 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.”
Alan Pace, Burnley’s Chairman, expressed his confidence in Hayen’s leadership: “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.”
Hayen will join Burnley's US pre-season tour, including matches against FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and Real Salt Lake.
The tour will conclude with fixtures against Ajax, Espanyol, and Torino FC once back at Turf Moor.
Interim Head Coach Mike Jackson will lead the team in Friday’s fixture against FC Cincinnati, with the match scheduled for 7.30pm Eastern Daylight Time.