Burnley Football Club have taken decisive action, parting company with manager Scott Parker after a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign. The Clarets confirmed the departure on Tuesday, with the club languishing in 19th place after a mere four points from a possible 42.
The former England midfielder, who only took the reins in late July, pays the price for a run of form that has seen Burnley lose 11 of their opening 14 top-flight matches. His final game in charge was a dismal 2-0 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Saturday.
A Short and Unsuccessful Tenure
Parker's appointment was seen as a surprise move following the departure of the highly-rated Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich. The club's statement confirmed the decision, citing the board's belief that "a change in direction was necessary" to have any hope of preserving their Premier League status.
This marks the second consecutive Premier League job from which Parker has been dismissed. He was previously relieved of his duties at AFC Bournemouth in August 2022 after a 9-0 thrashing by Liverpool, a result that now bookends his managerial career in the top division.
The Search for a Saviour Begins
With the club in a precarious position, the Burnley hierarchy is now tasked with finding a manager capable of orchestrating a great escape. The pressure is immense, with the gap to safety already looking significant as the busy festive period approaches.
First-team coaches are expected to take charge on an interim basis while the club conducts its search for a permanent successor. The new appointee will face a monumental challenge to revive the fortunes of a squad that looked so dominant in the Championship last season but has struggled immensely with the step up in quality.
