The 2026/27 Championship fixture list may have been announced, but Burnley still lacks a manager with two months till the season begins.

Scott Parker left Turf Moor by mutual consent about two months ago, and despite numerous twists and turns, it appeared like Craig Bellamy, the Clarets’ former assistant manager, was ready to take over.

However, Bellamy’s return to the Lancashire club was unexpectedly thwarted, with Steve Cooper and Rob Edwards being mentioned as possible replacements.

Many fans will be asking why the Wales manager’s transfer to Turf Moor fell through, and the explanation has been revealed.

The truth behind Craig Bellamy’s Burnley transfer meltdown

Several names have been associated with the Burnley manager’s job, but the saga appeared to be coming to an end when Bellamy returned to the Turf Moor dugout as manager.

The 46-year-old has been Wales’ manager since 2024, supervising 20 games, and has done a good job despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Bellamy has yet to lead a club, and with the Clarets likely to compete for the Championship championship, a return to Turf Moor would have been an appealing prospect.

However, with his move seemingly complete, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has revealed that there are problems with backstage staff, albeit he does not specify what the issue is.

Crook adds that as of this morning, the FAW (Football Association of Wales) was fully expecting him to go and was looking for a successor, with at least two candidates previously approached.

What’s next for Burnley following the Bellamy bombshell?

While the Clarets may have taken their time deciding on their next management decision, they are now racing against time to find Parker’s replacement.

Pre-season is approaching, and the last thing fans and players want is to enter the crucial period of summer in doubt.

As previously said, the Clarets might turn to Cooper or Edwards, both of whom are without a club and have extensive Championship experience.

The obvious question with selecting Edwards is whether he will see a transfer to Turf Moor as a long-term strategy, given how he jumped ship from Middlesbrough to Wolves at the first opportunity.

Cooper has been out of the English game since a bad period with Leicester City, though he may be excused for what happened at the King Power Stadium following the club’s disastrous second-tier season.

Both Edwards and Cooper have Championship promotion on their resumes, and from the outside, either would be considered a good hire.