Parker Exits Burnley Amid Gerrard Speculation As Mike Jackson Takes Interim Charge

Burnley have confirmed that Scott Parker has left the club by mutual consent after relegation, with Mike Jackson stepping in on an interim basis and strong reports suggesting Steven Gerrard is being lined up as the next head coach at Turf Moor.

Burnley’s demotion from the Premier League was sealed earlier in April, with the team 19th on 20 points, three ahead of bottom side Wolves, and four fixtures still to play, having claimed just one league win since November, a 3-2 comeback against Crystal Palace in February.

Relegation had become likely as Burnley struggled to collect points through the winter, and confirmation earlier this month formalised a decline that left the club focusing on planning for the Championship, with the board now needing to decide on long-term leadership while Jackson guides the final four matches.

The club’s current situation can be summarised as follows:{TABLE_1}

Parker departs after two years in charge, during which Burnley achieved promotion in the 2024-25 campaign and returned to the Premier League, with the head coach overseeing 88 competitive fixtures, winning 36 of them, giving a victory rate of 40.9% across league and cup competitions combined.

It has been an immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years. I have enjoyed every moment of our journey together, but feel that now is the right time for both parties to move in a different direction, Parker said. I reflect back with great pride on what we achieved during my time at the club, especially our unforgettable promotion season in 2024-25, and it was a true honour to lead this team into the Premier League. I would like to thank Alan and the ownership group for their support during my time at the club. My thanks also go to the fantastic and tireless staff behind the scenes and, most importantly, to the players, who have given me everything since the first day I arrived. Finally, thank you to the Burnley fans. I wish you all and this great club nothing but the very best for the future.

Attention now turns to Parker’s successor, with speculation around the role increasing for weeks before the announcement and Gerrard widely reported as the leading contender, drawing on previous management experience with Rangers, Aston Villa and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

Jackson will manage Burnley on an interim basis for the closing stretch of the campaign, starting with an away fixture at Leeds United on Friday, as players aim to respond following relegation confirmation and provide some momentum and clarity ahead of a possible appointment of Gerrard before next season.

Burnley’s decision to move on from Parker after relegation, while handing Jackson short-term responsibility and exploring the potential appointment of Gerrard, leaves the club entering the summer with a clear focus on restructuring both squad and coaching staff before returning to Championship competition.