Burnley have dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen following a dismal 4-1 defeat at Lincoln City on Saturday, with the Clarets stranded in the Championship relegation zone after just 12 league matches.

The club confirmed the departure in a terse 26-word statement: "Burnley Football Club has dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen with immediate effect. The Board has taken the decision following a disappointing start to the Championship season."

A difficult spell in the dugout

Hayen, a Belgian coach, was appointed in July and came into the role with Burnley widely regarded as one of the pre-season favourites for promotion and an immediate return to the Premier League. The reality has been starkly different.

In 12 Championship fixtures, Burnley managed only one league victory — a 4-0 triumph at Watford on October 10. Their defensive record is among the worst in the division, and Saturday's capitulation at Lincoln only deepened the club's crisis.

Speaking to reporters after the loss, Hayen acknowledged the recurring problems his side had faced all season. "It's the same story of the season for us — we keep conceding easy goals," he said. "What we do in training is really good, but we can't execute that the same way in the games."

He also extended an apology to the club's supporters. "It's frustrating for everyone, especially the fans. I want to apologise to them, but I know it doesn't matter because it's another hard defeat for them and I can understand their criticism," Hayen added.

The coach had hinted that his position was under threat, saying: "I don't know if I will still be in charge. I know it's a really tough defeat and something to think about for the board."

Cup wins could not mask league struggles

Hayen's tenure did produce some cup moments — Burnley opened his reign with a Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory over League One side Notts County, though they were eliminated in the following round on spot kicks by Bradford.

Those results, however, offered little cover for a Championship campaign that fell well short of expectations. With Burnley now third-bottom and carrying one of the division's joint-worst defensive records, the board moved quickly to cut ties with Hayen after fewer than four months in charge.