Burnley

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United host Burnley on Friday (20:00 BST) needing the points to virtually end any relegation concerns. Burnley, already relegated and now managerless after Scott Parker left the club on Thursday, have little but pride at stake.

Can Leeds pull clear of danger?

Leeds know a win would increase pressure on the other relegation candidates ahead of the weekend. The Whites have often been competitive this season, rarely dominating possession but creating enough chances to stay in games. The issue has been turning those moments into comfortable wins, particularly at home.

Nowhere is that clearer than after the half-time interval. Leeds have conceded 15 second half league goals at Elland Road and when matches are level or Leeds hold a narrow lead, Farke's side tend to slow the tempo and protect central areas rather than push for a decisive second goal. Control becomes caution – and pressure follows.

Greater calm in front of goal could make the difference. Forward Noah Okafor has emerged as Leeds' most reliable finisher since early February, scoring five Premier League goals in that period. Only Morgan Gibbs-White and Viktor Gyokeres have scored more in the same spell. If Friday's game remains tight into the latter stages, Leeds will need that efficiency.

Will pride drive managerless Burnley at Elland Road?

Burnley's return to the Premier League has again proved short-lived, with relegation confirmed by last week's defeat by Manchester City. With the club now managerless, there is a possibility they play with a degree of freedom – but their away form offers little reassurance.

The pattern has been familiar. Burnley often start competitively, pressing with energy and keeping their shape. However, as intensity drops, gaps appear and opponents take advantage.

They have conceded 25 first half away goals and remain the league's most porous defence, with 68 goals conceded overall.

If Leeds are looking for encouragement, it may come from that contrast in resilience. This fixture has the feel of a match shaped by patience and timing: one side trying to avoid the late game issues that have haunted their season, the other vulnerable once momentum turns against them. How Leeds manage that balance after the break could decide the outcome.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on who should become the next Burnley manager after the club announced Scott Parker's exit on Thursday.

Here are some of your comments:

Isaac: Has to be Craig Bellamy, knows the club inside out and the fans already like him. No doubt in my mind.

Ted: Craig would be a great choice but also the managers proven taking a small club to successful - Thomas Frank, Liam Rosenior, even, dare I suggest, John Eustace - could get us all enjoying, believing and just loving coming to football again!

Kevin: What about Rosenior, he did a great job before moving to Chelsea then getting sacked. I think he'll be a good fit for us in the Championship.

Dusty: Bellamy would be my first choice closely followed by Dyche. The main issue is player recruitment because Burnley did not buy well last summer. Poor judgement by the club buying too many players with no proven record in the Premier League. We need someone who can attract quality to join Burnley and play to win.

Andy: Craig Bellamy, Steven Gerrard or Sean Dyche are suitable to get the club out of this mess and stop them from doing a Leicester City and dropping into the third tier.

Thomas: Will the Burnley board admit they got it wrong and re-employ Sean Dyche? I very much doubt it. If not please don't go for a so-called big name like Steven Gerrard.

The Burnley fans never really seemed to take to Scott Parker but his biggest problem was Sunderland and Leeds being more competitive than the Clarets as promoted clubs this season.

Burnley are down and searching for a new manager, but Leeds go marching on together - they have had an outstanding campaign under Daniel Farke even if their performance against Chelsea in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final was disappointing compared to their recent form.

If Leeds lose this, then it is squeaky bum time for them with games to come against Tottenham and West Ham, but they won't mess up.

For me, this is the result that will secure their safety. Yes, there would still be work to do, but if there ever was a gimme this season then it is playing Burnley at home.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Scott Read
BBC Radio Lancashire journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The fourth paragraph down on the official press release confirming the departure of Scott Parker tells you everything about how much he is regarded by Burnley's board and chairman Alan Pace.

The prospect of even sitting down with this manager to discuss whether they can or should go on would have been unthinkable 12 months ago.

Parker has represented himself and the club impeccably during his time as manager and he was deeply admired and respected throughout the football club.

He once said to me in a pre-match news conference "let's be different" when asked about the criticism he was receiving from some supporters, which at times felt it was beyond what was responsible.

The football club has been trending this way for some time. Sean Dyche was sacked with the club in the Premier League's relegation zone. Vincent Kompany failed to keep them up. Parker joins the list - but this is not entirely on Scott.

The club's recruitment policy under Kompany failed. Highly successful loan players left following promotion and younger recruits with potential sell-on value were signed. And relegation followed.

They changed their approach under Parker. Loan players were signed with obligations to buy and they won promotion once again. Almost half of the money spent in the summer window this season were signings they were obliged to make. And relegation followed.

And now, for a third successive Championship campaign, they will go into a summer surrounded by uncertainty, needing a new manager and all the upheaval that brings.

Burnley wanted Kompany to stay and bring them back up, and before a ball was kicked this season the club would have wanted the same with Parker.

The Championship is littered with examples of mismanagement and poor decisions.

Look how quickly things have unravelled for Leicester City. How long is it since Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Stoke City played in the top flight? The list goes on.

If you don't bounce back straight away it becomes increasingly difficult to bounce back at all.

Be careful what you wish for - the good ones don't come around very often.

Back to that fourth paragraph down on the club's press release and some of the words used; "professionalism", "dedication", "respect" and "gratitude".

Who would you like to be the next Burnley boss now that Parker has gone?

Send us your views here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley hold an interest in Wales manager Craig Bellamy as they begin the process of replacing Scott Parker, but face an uphill battle to convince him to return to Turf Moor.

Parker left the club on Thursday following Burnley's relegation from the Premier League last week, with the Clarets now turning their attention to appointing his successor.

Several sources have told BBC Sport that Burnley view Bellamy as a serious candidate for the position.

Bellamy previously coached at Burnley under former boss Vincent Kompany and was among the candidates for the top job prior to Parker's appointment in 2024.

However, he is enjoying his time with Wales and is said to be relishing the opportunity to lead the nation at a home European Championship in 2028.

He is also understood to have some reservations about the current make-up of the Burnley squad and how much work may be required this summer, with a number of players expected to depart.

Elsewhere, Steven Gerrard has been heavily linked with the position, but there has been no formal contact from Burnley so far.

Sources have also indicated that the Clarets have made checks on Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

Who do you want to next take charge of the Clarets? Which choice would be best to get the club back to the Premier League?

Get in touch with your views here

Read more on Scott Parker's departure from Burnley

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It should never have taken this long, but Parker has gone. And an almighty sigh of relief has rippled across the Burnley fanbase.

But what a waste of a season. We've achieved nothing, have gone backwards rather than forwards and are no closer to finding the grit we need to try and compete at this level.

I feel a real level of confusion as to what our overall strategy was. If Parker was sacked because his primary objective was survival, then that means avoiding relegation was fundamental. Which, in turn, suggests the club should have done everything they could to avoid that happening, including sacking a desperately under-performing manager when it could have made a difference and achieved that very goal!

Perhaps it was financial - do we have to pay less in compensation if he didn't achieve survival?

Whatever the justification, every decision in this process has just felt so very odd.

Parker has left with the dignity you'd expect from a man of his grace. Conversations like this are horrible on a human level - it's never nice to publicly scrutinise someone on a global stage and advocate for their employment to come to an end. But the reality is Parker is not yet at a stage where he can effectively manage at Premier League level and Burnley simply don't have the luxury of allowing someone to learn on the job.

We need to get back to mounting a realistic campaign for survival.

Who do we get now?

Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard are early candidates being named in the media. Does Mike Jackson get a second chance to claim the job on a permanent basis?

Bellamy knows the club well, but has had a disappointing campaign with Wales, failing to qualify with one of the best sqauds they've ever had and with an expanded World Cup. Jackson so very nearly kept us up in his first spell in charge, but doesn't have the experience as a first-team coach.

Gerrard feels a risk, and often gets put in that "great player doesn't make a great coach" bracket, but given the success Frank Lampard has found this season with Coventry then perhaps that alumni of Premier League greats can finally shine as coaches?

I said this a few days ago and I say it again. Whoever you get, get it right!

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

Scott Parker has had to endure another torrid time in the Premier League as manager.

Parker's 664-day reign at Burnley has ended in disappointing fashion as he leaves the Clarets eight days after being relegated from the top flight.

On three occasions, Parker has proved his pedigree in regrouping a relegated side and returning them to the Premier League.

However, it's in the top division where Parker has come unstuck with Bournemouth, Fulham and now Burnley.

After stints in the Premier League and Championship, the 45-year-old chose a different route and opted for European management.

But 12 games into his tenure at Belgian side Club Bruges, he was sacked.

It was at Turf Moor where the former Premier League player would have an emphatic return to football management.

The Clarets secured 100 points alongside Leeds United last season to secure their promotion and Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire that he spent a "year contemplating" after his time in Belgium.

Unfortunately for Parker, his style and winless runs had already prompted some fans to turn against him.

One Burnley fan on this page said: "Parker has shown at Bournemouth, Fulham and Burnley that the Championship is his limit."

Whether that is the case - he undoubtedly will be "contemplating" where it all went wrong during his final season at Burnley.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Scott Parker's departure, its timing and whether you agree with the club's decision.

Here are some of your comments:

Mike: You have to wonder why the director of football hasn't been sacked along with those responsible for recruitment. It's not all Parker's fault.

Paul: Parker has tried hard but not succeeded and his departure is well overdue. Looking forward to a more proactive approach from a new manager who can instill a positive, winning mindset in the squad.

Bob: Great in the Championship but it's been difficult in the Premier league. Let down by our recruitment and our board. That won't change with a new manager. I wish him every success wherever he goes. Thank you.

Alan: Useless. What on earth is the Burnley board doing? Their ineptitude is beyond belief. If Parker had to go it was at Christmas, what is the point now? They must have a list of possible replacements so three weeks is not going to make the slightest difference. Parker should at least have been given the respect of being allowed to leave with a full season under his belt, rather than maintaining the tag of unable to manage a complete Premier League season. Disgraceful.

Barry: I think Scott Parker is an honest football person and he has conducted himself this season as a true gentleman. What you need to ask yourself is whether anyone else would have got more out of this current squad? And probably not. I wish Scott all the very best.

Richard: The Sean Dyche legacy of "legs, hearts, minds" and "the minimum requirement is maximum effort" has gone missing this season after such a strong promotion. I wish Scott Parker well and look forward to a return to the days when visiting teams hate coming to the Turf.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley's pre-match news conference, which was scheduled to take place at 14:00 BST, has been cancelled.

The club have confirmed no media duties will be undertaken before Friday's Premier League fixture at Leeds United.

Image source, Getty Images

Scott Parker has issued a statement in the wake of his departure from Turf Moor.

"It has been an immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years. 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.

"I would like to thank Alan and the ownership group for their support during my time at the club. My thanks also go to the fantastic and tireless staff behind the scenes and, most importantly, to the players, who have given me everything since the first day I arrived.

"Finally, thank you to the Burnley fans. I wish you all and this great club nothing but the very best for the future."

How do you view Parker's overall time in charge? What legacy does he leave at Turf Moor?

Send us your comments here

Image source, PA Media

Here's Burnley's full statement on Scott Parker's departure.

"Scott Parker has left his position as head coach of Burnley Football Club by mutual consent.

"Following confirmation of the club's relegation from the Premier League last week, Parker and the Board held discussions and mutually agreed that his time at Turf Moor would conclude.

"During his tenure at Turf Moor, Parker guided the Clarets to a record-breaking season in the 2024-25 campaign, securing Burnley promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, with a 33-match unbeaten run, keeping a remarkable 30 clean sheets.

"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Scott for his professionalism, dedication and contribution. He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected with Burnley Football Club.

"Mike Jackson, supported by the existing backroom staff, will take interim charge for the Clarets' remaining four Premier League fixtures, beginning with Friday's match away to Leeds United.

"The process of appointing a new permanent head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season has begun."

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley head coach Scott Parker has left the club by mutual consent, eight days after their relegation from the Premier League.

Parker guided the Clarets to a record-breaking 2024-25 campaign, securing promotion from the Championship with a with a 31-match unbeaten run.

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.

If you scroll down this page you'll see you had your say on Parker's future earlier this week (11:16 BST on Tuesday). What do you make of the timing of the decision now it's happened? And how do you view Parker's overall time in charge at Turf Moor? What legacy does he leave?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Scott Parker should remain as boss next season or leave the club after being relegated to the Championship.

Here are some of your comments:

Bob: Parker should stay. We don't need any more upheaval. He can get us out of the Championship. I think he will have learnt a lot about his tactics and the fans expectations. We go again.

Mark: He needs to go ASAP. We've been dreadful all season with Parker at the helm. We need a fresh start and somebody with fresh ideas and tactics to give us some spark. A lot of Burnley fans say keep him, he does well in the Championship. He may do, but he can't do it in the Premier League and has no tactical knowledge on how to play in the Premier League. I'd go for Thomas Frank, who personally knows how to win the Championship and knows the Premier League.

Steve: Scott could very well do his specialist thing and get the Clarets promotion again. What he would likely benefit from, should that happy thing come about next season, would be the backing of the board to bring in Premier League-quality players and a well-experienced assistant manager.

Colin: Parker has shown at Bournemouth, Fulham and Burnley that the Championship is his limit. If he remains at Burnley for a further season, fans will not want another one full of scoreless draws.

Gareth: Parker has a 100% record of failure in the Premier League and a 100% success rate in the Championship. His teams are always relegated and, respectively, always promoted. So, whilst I've had my personal fill of Scott Parker - his tactical ineptitude, his vanity, and the stream-of-consciousness drivel he comes out with to the media - there is no better manager at Championship level. Another dreary season of Parker ball would be worth it to get us promoted back to the Premier League. And then sack the man, in 12 months time, before he can do any more damage.

Mike: Definitely need a change of manager. He might be a Championship promotion specialist but we need a motivational man. Even 'hoofball' Dyche would be a welcome change for me as a last resort. Having said that, I welcome the drop - the Championship is a better spectacle and without VAR. Burnley doesn't have the money or need to be at the business end of football. It is a town and a fans' club. Let's return to the real lifeblood of football.

Keith: Parker should have gone before Christmas, everybody could see where this season was heading. The board have to bear responsibility for letting this season slide into the shambles it became. One win in 25 says all you need to know. Parker is a very decent guy but the football is tedious and boring. Time for a fresh start.

Bob: How could he possibly stay after such an awful season? His mismanagement of the club is there for all to see. If the board were to keep him, I think fans would not tolerate it.

Scott Parker's future as Burnley manager is in the balance following the club's Premier League relegation and former Rangers and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard, 45, could be in contention to replace the 45-year-old. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

This may well be the first relegation I have ever been through where I felt nothing. Not anger, not sadness, not relief. As the final whistle went at Turf Moor on Wednesday night, my Dad and I just simply shrugged at each other and walked to the car. We talked briefly about how we at least won't need to put up with VAR next season, but then returned to our conversations about how I go about driving in a European country, and whether I can fix the leak in my bathroom sink myself (conclusion: I need a plumber).

Scott Parker's post-match interview was telling, in that there was no mention at all of his fans. No words of empathy, no encouraging battle cry and no acknowledgement of their likely disappointment. Perhaps that is our own fault - we have not been shy in vocalising our lack of support for him, and despair at his tactical skills - but the rift between club and fan base is, at present, very apparent.

His future is, if you believe the press, now under discussion with no decision yet being made. It seems futile speculating over likely replacements at this stage - he may well be in the dugout come August - but we are looking at a likely exodus of the current squad, a change in manager and only Kyle Walker pledging his commitment to the Championship campaign.

Is a fresh start necessary? Yes, I think so. But I also empathize with a board who don't want to be a "sacking club" and who seek some longer-term stability. Having to start again for the third time since ALK took over is far from ideal. But sleepwalking into a long spell in the EFL is not the answer either.

So if a new era of manager and squad is necessary, get it right this time.

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

Should Parker stay or go? Tell us here

Image source, Getty Images

Former Burnley defender David Unsworth says Scott Parker "deserves a second chance" after the Clarets were relegated from the Premier League following the 1-0 defeat by Manchester City on Wednesday.

Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, Unsworth said: "It was a competitive game. They stayed in it the whole time, created chances in the first half and defended with their lives second half.

"The fans stayed with them, which was massive. It wasn't embarrassing - City didn't run away with it.

"The effort was there, it was just a lack of quality.

"I hope Parker stays and has the chance to redeem a poor season. I don't think he's been handed the best cards.

"He deserves a second chance and I don't think a massive rebuild is needed. There is quality in the squad to come back up, but will they have the finances to really attack the Premier League in two seasons' time?

"If anyone can get Burnley up it's Scott Parker. His Championship success is there for all to see and I really hope he has that opportunity."

Hear more of the interview with Unsworth, external

Image source, Opta

Burnley's position as yo-yo kings was confirmed with Premier League relegation, following Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Manchester City, meaning next season will be their fifth year in a row of flitting between the top two divisions.

Only Fulham, between 2017-18 and 2021-22, have 'achieved' that before - with current Clarets boss Scott Parker also involved there.

It has led observers to wonder how Burnley can break this cycle... or if they even want to.

They will want it to go on for a sixth year at least - to take them back up.

Former Burnley winger Glen Little said it wouldn't surprise him if the Clarets "come straight back up" but added it's a shame that this season they are "the odd ones out" in terms of newly-promoted sides remaining in the Premier League.

Little told BBC Sport: "I suppose we could say we have been fortunate that every time we've been relegated, we have come straight back up and so it keeps the parachute payments."

"And then you get the Premier League money again after promotion."

Four times now, the Clarets have been relegated from the Premier League a year after coming up, equalling Norwich's record.

In total they have been promoted to the Premier League five times, and now relegated from it five times. Since 1992, they have been through eight English league promotions and six relegations. Only Rotherham, with eight of each, can beat that.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views after Burnley's relegation back to the Championship was confirmed following a 1-0 defeat to title-chasers Manchester City.

Where do you think it went wrong this season? Are there any positives or learnings to take into next season?

Here are some of your thoughts:

Emma: Hooray for the Championship! More teams, more games, more wins and more fun for the fans, plus no VAR! It's always a great feeling to be promoted, but the Premier League is little fun for fans of smaller clubs like Burnley.

Ted: Dear Mr Pace, can we please have our club back now that relegation is confirmed? You surely cannot accept the dross that is Scott Parker any longer. The performances have collapsed, gloom is hanging over the entire club, crowd numbers are down and - to nobody's surprise - so are we! I know you say you're not an expert in football, but you're a business manager so you must see proper change is required!

Rennie: The manager did not get the best out of this squad. We were poor in defence on the turnover and we were leaving huge gaps that were ruthlessly exploited. We also couldn't create and finish chances, with only Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony showing the necessary quality. It has been sure enough a disappointing season, where do we go from here I wonder?

Jeff: If you get promoted to the Premier League, you must spend money on players. If you don't, you go back down. That's the message to Burnley, yet again.

Graeme: Scott Parker is utterly out of his depth. He has no tactics, a penchant for picking very poor players and a habit of making unfathomable substitutions. He should've been sacked in October. Instead we've had incompetent management and, in the main, incapable players. Without a complete clear-out - save Dubravka, Flemming, Anthony and perhaps Cullen - and a new manager, they will struggle in the Championship. I fear next season will be another battle against relegation, which they may very well lose.

Image source, Getty Images

After 34 Premier League games, and four games remaining, Burnley's fate has been sealed in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City as they return to the Championship.

Former Burnley winger, Glen Little told BBC Sport that Burnley fans "were a bit spoilt" during Sean Dyche's era at the club and that the Clarets "overachieved" during Dyche's nine-year and five-month tenure.

"It might not have been sort of the best football to watch, the modern-day football that we see now, but it was effective at staying in the Premier League, but once Dyche left, we came down," said Little.

"When Vincent Kompany came in, he totally changed the style of football, the way we played, and we had a great season in the Championship, one of the best Championship teams we've ever seen."

After being relegated from the Premier League with Burnley in 2024, Kompany was appointed by German side, Bayern Munich.

Little added it was a "mess" when Scott Parker took over from Kompany, but the club "regrouped" and secured 100 points to return to the top-flight.

"It'll be interesting to see what happens with Scott Parker now. Will he decide to stay on and try and get us straight back up? We've seen him do it with Bournemouth, Fulham and also Burnley," said Little.

Although Burnley have yo-yoed between the Premier League and Championship in the past five seasons, Little believes "if we keep most of the players, I think we'll be straight back up again."

Burnley boss Scott Parker, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after his team's relegation: "Overall, I think the performance tonight speaks volumes of us as a group. The inevitable was there, but I am proud of the players, we just fell a bit short. Playing against Manchester City, you're going to have few opportunities - in fact we probably had quite a few. Overall a brilliant performance and for that I am immensely proud.

"I thought the stadium was brilliant tonight. It has been mixed at certain moments and I get the frustration, but we left everything on the pitch tonight. I said that to the group tonight; the paying spectators want to see that, and we did that to a tee."

On the future: "The club has had to [bounce back] over the last few years. There is a lot of learning to do and that is exactly what we'll do. We'll reflect on where we've fallen short. We need to work out where we've gone wrong and come back stronger next year."

If the club want to keep you, will you stay?: "It's been a relentless season for everyone, me included. We [he and the board] will sit down and reflect, work out where we move forward and go from there."

Burnley defender Kyle Walker, speaking to Sky Sports after the club's relegation: "It was a disappointing evening. I am a player for Burnley and I will do my best for the shirt to make sure we get a result. Unfortunately, now we are relegated, but we need to play the remaining games with that level of performance.

"What this club means to this town is incredible. I drive through it every day. It means a lot to them. From us to them, thank you for every bit of support this season, and hopefully we can do you proud next season.

"I came here with a dream to keep this club up. I achieved a lot personally, but this would have been right up there. It would have been very special to keep this club up.

"This is people's dreams that have now come to an end in the Premier League. They need to use this fire to make sure we are back here next season."

Did you know?

• Burnley have been relegated from the Premier League for the fifth time, only Norwich City (6) have ever dropped out of the competition more often.

• Burnley have lost four consecutive Premier League games for the second time this season (a run of 7 between November and December), losing their 22nd match of the campaign – having lost 24 games in both 2023-24 and 2009-10, only West Bromwich Albion have lost 22+ games in more Premier League seasons (4).

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

One year and one day ago, Burnley beat Sheffield United to celebrate automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

But that delight turned to despair as their long expected relegation was confirmed against Manchester City, lying 13 points adrift of 17th-placed West Ham with only four games left to play.

Captain Kyle Walker enjoyed lifting 17 trophies while at City but his spell at Burnley has been a miserable one, as the full-back and his team-mates bowed out with a whimper.

Boss Scott Parker has guided his side to just four wins all season, with just one of those coming in their past 25 league games - dating back to the start of November.

The Englishman's own record against City is dismal, losing all six meetings, while his Burnley side have now suffered defeat in 12 consecutive games against them.

Parker is a specialist at taking teams up to the Premier League, having done so three times during his managerial career, but it remains to be seen whether he will be given the opportunity to do so again next season.