(Football news) Burnley have just announced their decision to sack manager Sean Dyche from the managerial position following the club’s 2-0 defeat to Norwich City last Sunday. Dyche was the league’s longest reigning manager, having been at the club since 2012 and leading Burnley to two promotions to the Premier League. The club are currently 18th on the table, four points behind Everton who are 17th with eight games remaining and will need a drastic change of fortunes to ensure survival.

Burnley released the following club statement “Burnley Football Club can confirm the Club has parted company with manager Sean Dyche, assistant manager Ian Woan, first-team coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer. Dyche was the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, having been in charge of the Clarets for nine-and-a-half years, overseeing a period which will go down as one of the most successful in the Club’s history. During this time, the team was promoted twice from the Championship, achieved two top-half Premier League finishes and qualified for Europe for the first time in 51 years.”

Chairman Alan Pace said: “Firstly, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sean and his staff for their achievements at the Club over the last decade. During his time at Turf Moor, Sean has been a credit both on and off the pitch, respected by players, staff, supporters, and the wider football community. However, results this season have been disappointing and, while this was an incredibly difficult decision, with eight crucial games of the campaign remaining, we feel a change is needed to give the squad the best possible chance of retaining its Premier League status. The process of replacing Sean has begun and further announcements will be made to supporters in due course.”

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