Premier League strugglers Burnley sack manager Dyche

Burnley have sacked manager Sean Dyche, the Premier League club said on Friday, ahead of a tight end-of-season run-in as they look to avoid relegation.

The Lancashire club have struggled this season and sit in 18th place in the standings, four points from safety. The decision was unexpected, however, given there are vital games left to play and Dyche’s track record of maintaining Burnley’s status in the top division on a relatively modest budget.

He was the longest-serving English top flight manager, having been in charge for nine-and-a-half years.

“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,” chairman Alan Pace said in a statement.

“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.”

During Dyche’s tenure at the club, Burnley were promoted twice from the Championship, achieved two top-half Premier League finishes and qualified for Europe for the first time in 51 years. (Reuters)