Burnley have confirmed the dismissal of Nicky Hayen following the Clarets' damning 4-1 away defeat to Lincoln City on Saturday, as former Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Rob Edwards has emerged as the favourite to take charge at Turf Moor.

According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Welsh head coach Edwards is the outright favourite to succeed Hayen in Lancashire following the Belgian's sacking.

Hayen won just one of his 12 Championship games in charge, as Burnley remain in the bottom three over a quarter of the way into the season, as the Clarets search for a hero to swipe them away from this mess, with Edward the frontrunner.

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Rob Edwards has emerged as the clear favourite for the Burnley job after Nicky Hayen's sacking

Edwards, 43, began his managerial journey with Wolves' youth teams before spells with Telford United, England's men's Under-16s, Forest Green Rovers, Watford, Luton Town, and Middlesbrough before returning to the Old Gold's first team most recently.

The former defender helped to guide Luton to the Premier League in a historic promotion through the play-offs in 2023, beating Mark Robins' Coventry City side in the final at Wembley on penalties, in what remains the most notable achievement of his career to date.

According to Nixon, it is unlikely that Burnley will pay any sort of compensation to lure a manager from elsewhere at this stage given their current situation, as Edwards' availability makes him an attractive option.

Under-fire owner Alan Pace will be working around the clock to ensure this next appointment is the right one, as right now, it looks as though Edwards could be the person to succeed Hayen at Turf Moor.

Rob Edwards has been out of work since his Wolverhampton Wanderers dismissal

Edwards has been out of work ever since his dismissal from Wolves back in June, having first found out of the Black Country's outfit to replace him with Cesar Peixoto through a family member via social media; his departure was then confirmed via a phone call, as per Pete O'Rourke.

Having left his job with Middlesbrough in November 2025, despite Wolves' relegation from the Premier League, it was largely expected that he would guide his former club back into the second tier, as his departure surprised many at the time.

Out of work ever since, Edwards appears to be awaiting the right opportunity to emerge before diving back into a job, though whether the Burnley role is enough to entice him back into employment remains to be seen.

Do you think Rob Edwards would be a good appointment for Burnley? If not, who do you think the Clarets should appoint? Share your thoughts below!

Burnley must get the next appointment spot on amid Rob Edwards update

With just one win in their opening 12, Burnley simply must find some form sooner rather than later; otherwise, they are at serious risk of following in the footsteps of the likes of Sunderland, Luton, and Leicester City previously to suffer double relegations from the Premier League to League One.

Having been promoted quite comfortably the last three times they were in the second tier, this is an unusual and unprecedented position the club finds itself in, as owner Pace must ensure whoever he appoints next guides them away from danger.

Edwards, right now, appears to be the frontrunner, and if he wants the job, it's likely his. However, there is no guarantee he will take the job at this stage, as Burnley must ensure they have a list of possible candidates lined up ASAP in case of rejection.