Parker leaves Burnley, two former Liverpool players candidates to replace him

It was expected. After Burnley FC were relegated from the Premier League to the EFL Championship after just one season, Scott Parker has left Turf Moor. With four rounds remaining, the club reached a mutual agreement to terminate cooperation with the English coach after two seasons and 88 matches. The club appointed long-time staff member and assistant coach Michael Jackson as interim manager until the end of the season—prompting a wave of jokes on social media due to the shared name with the legendary pop star.

Jokes aside, Burnley are already considering who will lead their push for a return to the Premier League, and a serious candidate is current Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy. However, it remains uncertain how realistic it is for the club to bring him back to a role he previously held. Bellamy served as assistant coach from 2022 to 2024 under Vincent Kompany, and after the Belgian’s departure, he was considered for the top job. However, the club ultimately placed their trust in Parker. Bellamy then accepted a call from his homeland and became Wales manager a little over a year and a half ago, with the goal of leading the national team to UEFA Euro 2028.

Stevie G close to England return – Burnley looking to reach EPL through Liverpool legend

It’s always a difficult challenge to take over a relegated Premier League side, as such teams usually face squad overhauls, the departure of key players, and the need to adapt to a lower division. Burnley have yet to make a concrete move, and according to the BBC, they would need around 900,000 euros to buy Bellamy out of his contract with the Football Association of Wales. Another name mentioned is Bellamy’s former teammate Steven Gerrard, although Burnley have not contacted him. A further potential candidate is Brian Barry-Murphy, currently managing Cardiff City FC.

EUROPA LEAGUE - SEMI-FINALS

First leg

Thursday

22.00: (2.35) Braga (3.35) Freiburg (3.35)

22.00: (2.80) Nott.Forest (3.05) Aston Villa (2.70)

***odds are subject to change***