Nicky Hayen apologised to Burnley supporters and admitted his future was out of his hands following the 4-1 defeat at Lincoln City, just hours before the Championship club confirmed his dismissal, writes Gary Hutchinson.
The Belgian was relieved of his duties on Saturday evening after a disastrous start to the campaign, with the Clarets winning just one of their opening 12 league fixtures. Appointed in July following the departure of Scott Parker, Hayen leaves Burnley sitting 22nd in the Championship, despite the club beginning the season among the favourites for promotion.
His final match saw Burnley surrender a first-half lead at Sincil Bank, where Andréas Hountondji had put the visitors ahead before Ben House equalised in stoppage time. Lincoln then dominated the second half, with Mikkel Ladefoged scoring twice and Dom Jefferies also finding the net.
The travelling Burnley supporters made their feelings clear throughout the afternoon, directing angry chants towards the players, the club’s ownership and Hayen himself.
Asked in the written press conference afterwards what he would say to those supporters, Hayen offered an apology.
“I apologise for this performance and the situation we’re in at the moment. But I also know that it doesn’t matter to them because they’re really frustrated, and I can totally understand and accept it.
“We can keep on working hard. That’s the only thing we can do, but I totally understand the frustration.”
The 46-year-old was also questioned directly about whether he believed he could continue in charge following another damaging defeat. His response suggested he understood the precarious nature of his position, although he insisted his focus remained on working to improve the team’s fortunes.
“I don’t know. I know how it goes, or how it can go, in football. I’m aware of that.
“But I said to you last time as well, I’m not going to lose my energy on this because that’s the decision of the board. Of course, I know when you have results like this, it can become difficult.”
Those fears were realised shortly afterwards, with Burnley announcing his departure in a brief statement. The club confirmed that the board had taken the decision following a disappointing start to the Championship season, bringing Hayen’s tenure to an end after just over three months.
His final interview proved remarkably telling, with the apology to supporters and acknowledgement of his uncertain future preceding the decision that ended his time at Turf Moor.
From the press conference
Hayen was extremely composed in front of the press yesterday afternoon, despite what was looming on the horizon. Grilled by Matt Scrafton from the Burnley Express, Hayen remained calm and collected, and spoke with the assurance not of a man under pressure, but perhaps one resigned to his fate. He spoke honestly about his fate and the appalling performance his players put in, dignified and composed.
He wasn’t solely to blame for the capitulation against the Imps. His players looked disinterested at times in the second half, unwilling to compete with a committed and aggressive Lincoln City. The home side played the better football and were willing to get to second balls far quicker.
Hayen might be on a flight home sometime this week, but he doesn’t take Burnley’s problems with him. His dismissal is a symptom, but the rot slowly enveloping the club is going nowhere, and his sacking won’t change that.