Burnley firmly considering move for Hayen replacement who’s also wanted by Crystal Palace

Burnley are searching for a new manager, with Nicky Hayen being dismissed on Saturday following a poor start to the Championship season.

After being relegated from the Premier League last season, the Clarets were expected to be fighting for promotion from the second tier this term, but they have instead been struggling near the bottom end of the Championship table.

A record of eight points from 12 Championship matches leaves a lot to be desired, with Hayen’s side winning just one game so far this season, and a 4-1 defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Lincoln City was the final straw for the Belgian.

The most pressing concern for Hayen’s replacement will be guiding the Turf Moor outfit away from safety, considering they are 22nd in the Championship and currently three points from safety, having taken just one point from their last three matches.

However, the long-term goal will undoubtedly be to gain promotion back to the Premier League, and the board are now eyeing up a successor who has experience leading teams to the top flight.

Burnley eyeing move for Rob Edwards

According to reporter Alan Nixon (via The72), Burnley are now firmly considering a move for ex-Luton Town manager Rob Edwards, who guided the Hatters to a shock promotion from the Championship in the 2022-23 season, with his side defeating Coventry City in the play-off final.

Edwards is regarded as a strong contender to replace Hayen, having been out of work since being sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer, with the Old Gold appointing Cesar Peixoto as his successor.

Both the Clarets’ players and club hierarchy are in favour of appointing the 43-year-old, who also won the League Two title during his time with Forest Green Rovers in the 2021-22 season.

Burnley could face competition in their pursuit of the former Wolves boss though, with Crystal Palace also keen, as Pierre Sage remains under pressure after suffering a 5-0 defeat against Brighton last weekend.

Ex-Luton man Tom Lockyer has spoken very fondly of his former manager, saying: ““He’s not just an unbelievable manager, but you can tell the ethos he has about family first always, and we have created a family.”

Moreover, the Welshman, who prefers to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, has two promotions on his CV, which could make him an ideal option for the Clarets, who will be looking to return to the top flight as quickly as possible.

However, the number one priority at the moment is steadying the ship, as the Clarets are in the relegation zone, around one quarter of the way through the season.