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– Burnley have sacked manager Sean Dyche with eight games left of their season in the Premier League.
– The Clarets, who have lost five of their last six top-flight games, are 18th and four points from safety.
– Dyche was the Premier League’s longest serving manager, having taken over at Turf Moor in October 2012.
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– Burnley chairman Alan Pace said it was “an incredibly difficult decision” to part company with the 50-year-old, but “we feel a change is needed”.
– Dyche’s last game in charge of Burnley saw them lose 2-0 to Norwich City, who are bottom of the Premier League.
– Assistant manager Ian Woan, first-team coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer have also left the club.
– “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,” said Pace.
– “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.
– “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.
– “The process of replacing Sean has begun and further announcements will be made to supporters in due course.”
– Dyche had signed a new four-year contract until 2025 with Burnley in September last year.
– During his spell at the club he guided them to two promotions from the Championship and two top-half Premier League finishes.
– He also helped Burnley achieve their first European qualification in 51 years courtesy of leading them to a commendable seventh place in the Premier League in 2017-18.
– However, the Clarets have won just four Premier League games this season, the worst win record in the league.
