Burnley FC have parted ways with head coach Scott Parker by mutual consent, just eight days after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.
The Clarets’ drop to the EFL Championship, their second in three seasons, was sealed following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on 22 April.
A difficult campaign saw Burnley win only four of their 34 league matches, collecting just one point from their last eight outings.
Assistant coach Mike Jackson will oversee the team for the remaining four fixtures of the season, beginning with Friday’s away clash against Leeds United.
Burnley’s struggles extended beyond the league, with disappointing exits in domestic cup competitions.
They were eliminated from the FA Cup by Mansfield Town and knocked out of the EFL Cup by Cardiff City, both sides from the third tier.
Parker, who was appointed in July 2024 on a three-year deal, had guided Burnley back to the Premier League at the first attempt, securing second place in the Championship.
“It has been an immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years,” said Parker.
“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.”
Burnley’s early promise this season faded quickly. After winning three of their opening nine matches, a run of seven consecutive defeats dragged them into the relegation zone.
Although they later showed resilience, earning five draws in seven games, including strong performances against Manchester United and Liverpool FC—heavy and costly losses followed.
A 3-0 defeat to Sunderland AFC and another loss to West Ham United intensified pressure from supporters, with some calling for Parker’s dismissal.
The manager publicly voiced his frustration at those chants, while chairman Alan Pace defended him, likening protesting fans to children during a BBC Football Focus appearance.
Parker had succeeded Vincent Kompany ahead of the 2024–25 season.
Despite losing key players such as Wilson Odobert, Sander Berge and Vitinho that summer, he steered Burnley to automatic promotion, narrowly missing out on the title to Leeds United on goal difference.
That campaign saw Burnley record 30 clean sheets in 46 matches, a Championship record.
However, defensive solidity deserted them this season, with the team conceding 68 goals in 34 league games, the highest tally in the division.
Last season marked Parker’s third promotion to the top flight as a manager, following previous successes with Fulham FC in 2020 and AFC Bournemouth in 2022.
He also had a brief spell at Club Brugge, where he was dismissed in 2023 after winning just two of his 12 matches.
As a player, Parker featured for several Premier League clubs, including Charlton Athletic, Chelsea FC, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham and earned 18 caps for England before moving into management.
