• Belgian won only one of his 14 games in charge

• Relegated Burnley expected to challenge for promotion

Burnley have sacked Nicky Hayen after only 14 games in charge, in the wake of a 4-1 defeat at Lincoln that left the Clarets in the Championship’s relegation zone.

The Belgian was appointed in the summer as the permanent successor to Scott Parker, who left in April with relegation from the Premier League inevitable. He leaves having won just one match, a 4-0 league victory at Watford on 10 October.

Burnley edged past Notts County on penalties in the Carabao Cup in his first match in charge and recovered in the last seven minutes from 2-0 down to draw at home to West Ham in their opening game of the Championship season. However, they then lost badly at West Brom and Norwich, sandwiching a shootout exit from the Carabao Cup at Bradford, and the pattern was set.

Burnley were fancied to push for promotion, which was achieved in their past two Championship seasons, but are now at risk of relegation. Wolves’ come-from-behind win at Turf Moor last weekend left Hayen on the brink and now the club have acted.

A club statement said: “Burnley Football Club has dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen with immediate effect. The board has taken the decision following a disappointing start to the Championship season.”