Lancashire

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