Burnley: Scott Parker leaves; Craig Bellamy wanted the manager’s position

Burnley won three of their first nine league matches this season, but losing the next seven matches meant they fell into the relegation zone.

Despite five draws in their next seven matches, including defiant performances against Manchester United and Liverpool, a 3-0 defeat to Sunderland followed by a loss to fellow strugglers West Ham led to some fans calling for Parker to be sacked.

He expressed his frustration at the chants, and backed chairman Alan Peace Parker in an interview with BBC Football Focus, where he compared the protesting fans to children.

Parker had replaced Kompany, who departed ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Despite selling key players that summer, including Wilson Odubert, Sander Berge and Vitinho, Parker led the Clarets to automatic promotion, losing out on the Championship title to Leeds United on goal difference.

His team kept 30 clean sheets in 46 league matches, the most in one season in the history of the tournament.

However, Burnley have conceded 68 goals in 34 league games this season – the most of any team.

Last season was the third time Parker has won promotion to the top flight as a coach, having done so with Fulham in 2020 and Bournemouth in 2022.

He also coached Belgian club Club Brugge, but was sacked in 2023 after winning two out of 12 matches.

Parker played for Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham before turning to management.

He also participated in 18 matches with the England national team.