A promising late-October victory over Wolves last season felt like a turning point for Burnley, moving them clear of the Premier League relegation zone. Fast forward 12 months, and that optimism has completely vanished as the club suffers through relegation, a prolonged home win drought, and a struggle in the Championship bottom three.
Struggles Under Hayen and Summer Overhaul
After Scott Parker departed late last season, Nicky Hayen took over as head coach less than a month before the new Championship campaign began following a failed pursuit of Wales boss Craig Bellamy. Joe Redmond, host of the Turfcast podcast, told BBC Sport that while fans may sympathize with Hayen arriving late after pre-season started and losing key striker Zian Flemming on transfer deadline day, the manager is still failing to get the best out of his squad.
During the summer transfer window, Hayen brought in 11 new players while 10 departed. EFL pundit Jobi McAnuff told the BBC’s 72+ podcast that the recruitment has felt scattergun, noting that signing 39-year-old Jamie Vardy is great for the dressing room, but expecting him to serve as the main man all season is unrealistic. Redmond added that a club coming down from the Premier League should, at the very minimum, be competing at the top end of the table.
Turf Moor Turmoil and Record Drought
Burnley’s success has historically relied on strong home form at Turf Moor, where they lost just one of 46 previous Championship games before this season. However, their last home victory came against Leeds on 18 October 2025, and they have since gone 21 league matches without a win at home, scoring only 21 goals.
BBC Radio Lancashire commentator Scott Read noted that the winless run stems partly from a poor Premier League campaign, though they still should have won games this season after letting leads slip against Bristol City, Derby, Charlton, and Wolves. Following a recent home defeat by Wolves that drew full-time boos, Hayen acknowledged to BBC Sport that the atmosphere naturally turns negative during a losing run. McAnuff observed that late conceded leads have created palpable tension and nervousness inside the stadium that directly impacts the players.
Pressure Mounts on Alan Pace
Alan Pace and ALK Capital took over Burnley in December 2020 through a buyout involving a £65m loan, a move that initially caused supporter unease. Last season’s relegation, delayed managerial appointments, and a poor start to the current campaign have turned the spotlight firmly onto the ownership.
Read told BBC Sport that anti-Alan Pace chants and banners appeared during the last home game, though there are no indications ALK is looking to sell, and the club’s heavy debt would make a sale difficult anyway. Despite the challenging environment, Hayen left his position at Belgian side Genk for his first English football management job, telling BBC Sport that he was fully aware of the difficult situation upon arrival and remains convinced the team can turn things around if negativity is avoided.
With results continuing to evade them, podcast creator Redmond told BBC Sport that the situation requires changes in personnel in both the dugout and the boardroom. Burnley prepares to face Lincoln on Saturday with time and fan patience running out for those in charge.
Source: BBC Sport
