Burnley boss Sean Dyche has been sacked, with the Clarets in danger of relegation from the Premier League.
Only last week, Burnley were celebrating a dramatic 3-2 win over Everton that appeared to have reignited their survival hopes, but Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to bottom side Norwich - coupled with the Toffees’ victory over Manchester United the previous day - has left them four points adrift of safety with eight matches to play.
Dyche had been the top-flight’s longest serving manager after nine-and-a-half years in the job. He earned promotion from the Championship in 2013/14 and then was retained when the club were relegated the following season, securing an immediate return to the Premier League at the first time of asking in 2015/16.
The 50-year-old has been lauded since for establishing Burnley as a top flight club on a tight budget and though they finished 17th last season, they did so with an 11-point gap to the relegation zone.
This season, however, they have struggled badly, winning just four games all season, fewer than any other side in the division.
A club statement confirmed that assistant manager Ian Woan, first-team coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer have all also left the club.
“Firstly, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sean and his staff for their achievements at the Club over the last decade,” Burnley chairman Alan Pace said.
“During his time at Turf Moor, Sean has been a credit both on and off the pitch, respected by players, staff, supporters, and the wider football community.
“However, results this season have been disappointing and, while this was an incredibly difficult decision, with eight crucial games of the campaign remaining, we feel a change is needed to give the squad the best possible chance of retaining its Premier League status.
“The process of replacing Sean has begun and further announcements will be made to supporters in due course.”
