Burnley Football Club has announced the appointment of former England midfielder Scott Parker as its new head coach. The 43-year-old will sign a three-year deal and take over from Vincent Kompany following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League last season.
Parker, who last managed Belgian side Club Bruges before being relieved of his duties in March 2023, brings a wealth of experience from his successful stints at Fulham and Bournemouth, where he guided both clubs from the Championship to the Premier League.
His appointment signals Burnley’s ambition to bounce back swiftly to the top flight under his leadership.
“I’m really pleased to be here,” Parker expressed upon his appointment. “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.”
The new head coach emphasized his eagerness to get to work, stating, “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.”
Burnley’s decision to appoint Parker came after thorough discussions with several candidates, including former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and ex-England midfielder Frank Lampard.
However, Parker’s vision for the club’s future and his track record of success stood out, aligning closely with Burnley’s goals of returning to the Premier League.
Burnley Chairman Alan Pace expressed confidence in Parker’s ability to lead the club forward, saying, “His vision for the future aligns with our goals and ambitions of returning to the Premier League as soon as possible. His track record of success, along with a commitment to developing young talent, makes him an ideal fit.”
Parker’s immediate task will be to prepare Burnley for the upcoming Championship season, starting with an away fixture against Luton on Monday, 12 August.
The club, known for its resilient and community-driven approach, looks to Parker to instill a winning mentality and build a team that can compete at the highest level.
“We have to win and build a team the fans and club can be proud of,” Parker emphasized. “This team can represent every single one of them in that aspect, and that’s the aim.”
As Burnley prepares for a new era under Parker’s guidance, there is optimism and excitement among fans and stakeholders alike. The appointment marks a significant step in the club’s strategy to re-establish itself in the Premier League, buoyed by Parker’s leadership and strategic vision.
With his coaching career poised for a fresh start at Turf Moor, Scott Parker’s journey with Burnley promises to be a compelling chapter in the club’s storied history as they strive to achieve their aspirations under his direction.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members