Scott Parker Out as Burnley Faces Relegation: Premier League Icon Tipped as Successor

Burnley Football Club has announced the immediate departure of Scott Parker as head coach, a decision that follows the team’s confirmed relegation from the Premier League.

The Clarets’ demotion was sealed after a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City, marking a disappointing end to their season. Throughout the campaign, Burnley managed to secure only four victories out of 34 league matches, struggling to gather momentum and amassing just a single point from their last eight games.

In a statement, the club disclosed, “Scott Parker has left his position as Head Coach of Burnley Football Club by mutual consent.” The announcement comes after discussions between Parker and the club’s board, following the official acknowledgment of their relegation, where it was mutually agreed that Parker would step down from his role at Turf Moor.

‘Scott Parker has left his position as Head Coach of Burnley Football Club by mutual consent,’ a club statement read.

‘Following confirmation of the Club’s relegation from the Premier League last week, Parker and the Board held discussions and mutually agreed that his time at Turf Moor would conclude.

Scott Parker has left Burnley with immediate effect following the relegation from the Premier League

Burnley’s relegation was confirmed last week after a 1-0 defeat at home against Man City

‘During his tenure at Turf Moor, Parker guided the Clarets to a record-breaking season in the 2024/25 campaign, securing Burnley promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, with a 31-match unbeaten run, keeping a remarkable 30 clean sheets. 

‘The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Scott for his professionalism, dedication and contribution. He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected with Burnley Football Club. 

‘Mike Jackson, supported by the existing backroom staff, will take interim charge for the Clarets’ remaining four Premier League fixtures, beginning with Friday’s match away to Leeds United.

‘The process of appointing a new permanent Head Coach ahead of the 2026/27 season has begun.’

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been installed as favourite to succeed Parker at Turf Moor.

The former Rangers and Aston Villa boss has been out of management since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq last January.

Parker’s successor will be tasked with overseeing an instant return to the Premier League again, with Burnley having successfully bounced back from relegation at the first attempt in both 2023 and 2025.

Parker had admitted last week that his Burnley side would have had to overachieve to have remained in the top flight. 

‘We’ve had an understanding that the inevitable was getting closer,’ Parker said following confirmation of their relegation.

Steven Gerrard has been installed as the favourite to succeed Parker at Turf Moor

Parker led Burnley to promotion last year but was unable to keep the Clarets in the top flight

 ‘That curtain has come down on us now, the confirmation has been there.

‘I can’t be critical of this team. This team have given us everything every single day. You can fault us in certain moments where we lacked a quality about us – and we haven’t got enough points in this division. 

‘These players have come in with a humongous challenge and we’ve fallen a little bit short. We needed to overachieve this year, overachieve and overachieve, every single game, and we haven’t managed to do that.

‘Their eyes, their ears, they have given me everything, that means a lot. The young group will learn from these experiences. 

‘One thing I’ve learned in life is you need to have the ability to bounce back, be brave enough to stand in the arena, to stand on the touchline. This group constantly stands. I’m proud of them.

‘Regarding myself, like always, we’ve given everything, sacrificed a lot of things and we’ve fallen short. I hold the burden for that and the responsibility for that. We’ll keep moving and keep going.’

Parker leaves his fourth managerial post, having had spells with Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge.

The 45-year-old has won promotion from the Championship with three clubs, finishing as runners-up with Bournemouth and Burnley, while he guided Fulham to the top flight via the play-offs in 2020.