Martin Theaker

Burnley 22nd in the Championship, players not responding to coach Nicky Hayen, whacked 4-1 by Lincoln City, so no great surprise that Hayen sacked after 14 games (one win). But… even by football standards the club's curt 26-word dismissal statement is unnecessarily brutal (and naïve) for four reasons... First, it’s classless towards a departing member of staff, however underachieving, so what does that say about the owners’ treatment of people? What message does it send to potential successors? Second, Hayen was the board’s appointment. What does that say about their judgement? Nb: new technical director incoming who should understand football better than chairman Alan Pace. Third, it highlights the mess, not least in recruitment, that Hayen stepped into. Did he have a chance? Relegated squad, sold best players (last two club POTYs Flemming & Esteve + Anthony), is there enough fight in the team? Fourth, highlights the club’s financial problems. Burnley used to be well-run. Board have to make the right appointment, remember Burnley are a football club as well as a business and engage better with increasingly disaffected fans. Burnley fans deserve better than what Pace and ALK Capital are giving them. #twitterclarets