Online Reporter
BURNLEY head coach Scott Parker has left the club by mutual consent, eight days after their relegation from the English Premier League football.
The Clarets’ return to the Championship — for the second time in three seasons – was confirmed when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City on April 22.
They have won just four of their 34 league games this season and have taken only one point from their past eight matches.
Parker’s assistant Mike Jackson will take charge of the side for the last four games of the season, starting with Friday’s trip to Leeds United.
Burnley’s dire league form has been compounded by poor cup performances. They were knocked out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup by League One teams – Mansfield beating them in the former and Cardiff in the latter.
Parker took charge of Burnley in July 2024 – signing a three-year contract — and led them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking with a second-place finish in the Championship.
“It has been an immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years,” said Parker.
“I have enjoyed every moment of our journey together but feel that now is the right time for both parties to move in a different direction.
“I reflect back with great pride on what we achieved during my time at the club, especially our unforgettable promotion season in 2024-25, and it was a true honour to lead this team into the Premier League.”
Burnley won three of their first nine league matches this season but losing their next seven meant they plunged into the relegation zone.
Despite five draws in their next seven matches – including defiant performances against Manchester United and Liverpool – a 3-0 thumping by Sunderland followed by a loss to fellow strugglers West Ham led to some fans calling for Parker’s removal.
He expressed his frustration at those chants, and chairman Alan Pace supported Parker in a BBC Football Focus interview — comparing protesting fans to children.
Parker had replaced the departing Vincent Kompany before the 2024-25 season.
Despite the sale of key players that summer — including Wilson Odobert, Sander Berge and Vitinho — Parker guided the Clarets to automatic promotion, losing out on the Championship title to Leeds United on goal difference. His side kept 30 clean sheets in 46 league matches – the most in a season in the history of the Champion-ship. — BBC Sport.
