Sheffield United's soon-to-be Championship rivals make head coach decision after relegation blow

Burnley have parted company with head coach Scott Parker a little over a week after relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

The Clarets, alongside Leeds United, pipped Sheffield United to automatic promotion from the Championship last season, securing an immediate return to the top flight with 100 points to their name.

However, having won just four of their first 34 Premier League matches this season, the Clarets and Parker have mutually agreed to go their separate ways, meaning the Lancashire outfit, next season, will be under the stewardship of a third different permanent boss since Sean Dyche’s ten-year spell in charge came to an end in April 2022.

A statement issued by Burnley on Thursday morning said: “Scott Parker has left his position as Head Coach of Burnley Football Club by mutual consent.

“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.

“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 33-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.”

Burnley have bounced between the Premier League and the Championship in recent seasons, with their recent relegation marking the second time in three seasons they have dropped out of the top flight. Each of their last four Championship campaigns have ended in automatic promotion, meaning they will be hoping to be among the leading contenders to escape the second tier’s clutches next season.

Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard has already been linked with the prospect of replacing Parker at Turf Moor. The 45-year-old, who has never previously worked in the Championship, has also recently been linked with landing the Bristol City job.

The Blades, who were relegated from the Premier League alongside Burnley in 2023/24, will be hoping to compete towards the top of the Championship table themselves next season after an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign.

For a myriad of reasons the Blades have fallen well short of their pre-season expectations, meaning the best they can hope for ahead of Saturday’s final day trip to Derby County is a top half finish.