By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
If you thought West Ham were taking a long time to get prepared for the upcoming Championship season, then spare a thought for fellow relegated side Burnley, who have yet to appoint a head coach.
Yes, that’s right.
The Clarets, having dispensed with the services of Scott Parker last season, decided to go in a different direction, only to find their first couple of candidates weren’t interested in moving to Turf Moor.
As a result, they have turned their attention to Belgian football manager Nicky Hayen.
Burnley Turn To Belgian Title Winner
Hayen worked in Wales with Haverfordwest County, but he truly broke into the Clarets consciousness by stepping up from the youth ranks at Club Brugge to guide the senior side to a Belgian Pro League title and an impressive Champions League knockout run.
His subsequent work at KRC Genk only solidified his reputation as a manager capable of winning matches while actively developing young talent.
Not Just West Ham Playing Catch-Up
So no problems there then?
Except that his appointment is dragging on a bit, with Michael Jackson (no, not that one) currently taking pre-season training, which is far from ideal.
Burnley will be hoping to get things wrapped up within the next couple of days.
I guess it’s nice to know it’s not just West Ham who have been accused of dragging their heels this summer.
Are we dragging our feet? The message from the club was that there was no financial need to move players on.we still have, excepting one player, what is effectively a PL squad ready for the Championship. The manager has been retained. There have been significant back room changes. There are clear signs that the ownership is changing and that the club is moving to a more stable financial footing. For the one first time squad player who has left we received the second highest fee in our history. Some loanee and short term contract players have left but any replacement loans don’t happen at this stage of the close season. So where’s the issue?
Whu are banking on returning to premiership at first attempt.
Need to get their house in order sooner rather than later.
Burnley look more vulnerable.