Burnley appoint Parker as new head coach

Burnley have appointed former England midfielder Scott Parker as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

Parker, 43, succeeds Belgian Vincent Kompany who joined Bayern Munich despite relegation from the Premier League last season.

Parker has been out of work since March 2023, having been sacked by Belgian side Club Bruges after winning only two of his 12 games in charge.

After leading Fulham and Bournemouth from the Championship into the Premier League, Parker will be aiming to do the same with the Clarets.

“I’m really pleased to be here," Parker said.

"I have been speaking with Burnley for some time now which has been a positive thing as I’ve now got a real feel for the people around the club.

“To be around the training ground now you start to get that feeling again and I can’t wait to get on the training field and start work.

“For us to be successful this year is the most important thing. We have to win and build a team the fans and club can be proud of. This team can represent every single one of them in that aspect and that’s the aim.”

Parker held a second round of talks with Burnley officials this week and emerged as the preferred candidate.

The Lancashire club also held talks with former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, as well as ex-England midfielder Frank Lampard.

“His vision for the future aligns with our goals and ambitions of returning to the Premier League as soon as possible," Burnley chairman Alan Pace added.

“His track record of success along with a commitment to developing young talent makes him an ideal fit.”

“We are confident he can lead us to new heights and continue to build on the solid foundations laid at Turf Moor.”

Burnley begin their 2024-25 Championship campaign with a visit to Luton on Monday, 12 August.