Burnley have sacked manager Sean Dyche with the club four points adrift of safety in the Premier League.
Dyche was one of the longest-serving managers in English football, having taken charge of Burnley in 2012.
He led the club to two promotions to the Premier League during his time at Turf Moor and was the longest-reigning manager in the top flight.
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But he has now been sacked in the wake of Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Norwich, which left Burnley 18th in the league - four points behind 17th-place Everton with eight games remaining in the season.
Burnley confirmed Dyche’s departure with a statement on Friday, which read: “Burnley Football Club can confirm the Club has parted company with manager Sean Dyche, assistant manager Ian Woan, first-team coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer.”
Burnley chairman Alan Pace added: “Firstly, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sean and his staff for their achievements at the Club over the last decade.
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“During his time at Turf Moor, Sean has been a credit both on and off the pitch, respected by players, staff, supporters, and the wider football community.
“However, results this season have been disappointing and, while this was an incredibly difficult decision, with eight crucial games of the campaign remaining, we feel a change is needed to give the squad the best possible chance of retaining its Premier League status.
“The process of replacing Sean has begun and further announcements will be made to supporters in due course.”
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Some fans have questioned the decision to sack Dyche, who achieved two top-half Premier League finishes with Burnley and also qualified the team for Europe for the first time in 51 years.
“Dyche getting the blame for years of underinvestment which was only partially addressed like a plaster over a gaping wound with [Maxwel] Cornet & [Wout] Weghorst," wrote one fan.
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“Weghorst only came after selling a player too, more was needed to refresh the squad. Miracle that he kept Burnley in the PL this long.”
Another added: “Even as a non Burnley fan this seems crazy, Dyche has done so much for Burnley.”
Burnley next face West Ham on Sunday before games against Southampton, Wolves and Watford in April.
Have Burnley made the right call in sacking Dyche? Let us know your thoughts.
Topics: Burnley, Sean Dyche, Premier League, Football
Rory O'Callaghan