By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Burnley have sacked manager Sean Dyche with eight games left of their season in the Premier League.
The club have parted company with the 50 year-old – the longest-serving manager in the Premier League – following the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Norwich last weekend.
Dyche, who has been Burnley’s boss since 2012, departs with the club facing a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Clarets are five points adrift of safety with eight games of the campaign remaining. They have won only four times in the league all season, drawing eight and losing 14 of their 30 matches.
Burnley chairman Alan Pace admitted it was an ‘incredibly difficult decision’ to sack Dyche but said results had not been good enough.
“Firstly, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sean and his staff for their achievements at the club over the last decade, “Pace aid.
“During his time at Turf Moor, Sean has been a credit both on and off the pitch, respected by players, staff, supporters, and the wider football community.
“However, results this season have been disappointing and, while this was an incredibly difficult decision, with eight crucial games of the campaign remaining, we feel a change is needed to give the squad the best possible chance of retaining its Premier League status.
“The process of replacing Sean has begun and further announcements will be made to supporters in due course.”
Burnley Football Club can confirm the Club has parted company with manager Sean Dyche, assistant manager Ian Woan, first-team coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 15, 2022
Dyche, who made 459 appearances as a centre-back in his playing career, is the 10th Premier League manager to be sacked this season.
Under-23s coach Mike Jackson, assisted by Academy Director Paul Jenkins, Under-23s goalkeeping coach Connor King and Club Captain Ben Mee have been asked to take charge of the team for Sunday’s game with West Ham United.