Burnley have finally parted ways with Nicky Hayen after only 14 games in charge, albeit it feels like a long time coming.

The Belgian replaced Scott Parker at Turf Moor in the summer but failed to win any of his first eight Championship games. While he did win his first game against Watford in early October, the Clarets’ most recent setback to Lincoln City was the final straw.

As expected, the speculation mill is in full action following Saturday’s announcement, with former Wolves and Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards the first to be connected with the vacant role.

However, it is too early to say how strong that bond is, and the Lancashire club must evaluate three other choices instead of the Welshman.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard, former Rangers and Aston Villa manager, is one of the favourites to succeed Hayen and was linked with the Burnley post throughout the summer.

There were speculations that the 46-year-old had conversations with the Clarets, but nothing came of them, and he has since been without a managerial position.

The former England international had a successful start to his management career, leading Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership victory in over a decade, which won him the top position at Villa Park.

That move was premature at the time and disrupted his career growth, with Gerrard moving to Saudi Arabia to take over Al-Eittifaq for 18 months before departing by mutual consent in January 2025.

There will undoubtedly be some reservations about his appointment, considering that he has been without a club for the better part of two years, but he is a strong motivator with much to prove in the English game.

Carlos Corberan

If Burnley wants to hire someone with a proven track record in the Championship, Carlos Corberan should be at the top of their shortlist.

The Spaniard took over West Brom in October 2022, with the team in the relegation zone, but he won 10 of his first 13 games, propelling them to ninth place in the division and almost missing out on the play-offs.

The following season, Corberan guided the Baggies to fifth place, ensuring a place in the play-offs, but the Black Country team was eliminated in the semi-finals by Southampton.

Albion were again competitive in the 2024/25 season until the 43-year-old left for Valencia, a move he couldn’t refuse given his ties to the club.

Corberan did improve the Spanish club throughout his time, leading them from the relegation zone to a competitive top-half team until being fired in September after a terrible start to the season.

Not only does he have a track record of creating an immediate effect, but he has also demonstrated the ability to build on his initial success.

Sean Dyche

Couldn’t he return?

Sean Dyche has established himself as a dependable manager throughout his career, and if Burnley wants someone who understands the club, look no further than the 55-year-old.

Dyche was Clarets manager for nearly a decade, overseeing over 400 games and twice leading them to the Premier League.

The Kettering native also finished eighth in the top flight with the Clarets in 2017/18, propelling them to European football for the first time in 51 years.

Dyche was then appointed Everton manager, ensuring their Premier League status before a brief stint at Nottingham Forest, where he earned 35 points in 25 games.

He has remained out of managerial duties since, with usual worries about his suitability for particular posts, and while he is frequently portrayed as a blunt, unfashionable manager, he could be just what Burnley requires right now.