Burnley have confirmed the appointment of Nicky Hein as their new head coach, with the two sides signing a three-year contract.

Burnley Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Nicky Hein as the team's new head coach, signing a three-year contract. The Belgian coach previously managed Belgian First Division A side Genk, accumulating an impressive coaching resume in European football in recent years. He led Club Brugge to the 2023/24 Belgian Pro League title and then guided them to the Champions League Round of 16 the following season, demonstrating his considerable coaching ability.

Nicky Hein officially took over as manager of Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 and quickly led the team to a series of impressive results. In addition to helping the team win the league title, he also led them to victory in the Belgian Cup and the Belgian Super Cup, and was named Belgium's Coach of the Year for his outstanding performance. The 45-year-old Hein primarily played as a defender during his playing career, playing extensively in the Belgian and Dutch professional leagues, and making over 400 appearances in all competitions throughout his professional career.

After completing the signing, Nicky Hein said: "I am incredibly honored to be a part of Burnley. It is a club with a rich history and a huge fan base, and starting a new chapter in my coaching career here is very meaningful to me. I understand that many fans are still relatively unfamiliar with me, which is completely understandable. However, I believe that the best introduction is not words, but performance on the training ground and in matches. I will gradually earn everyone's recognition and trust through my work ethic, coaching philosophy, and the team's performance on the field."

“I hope the fans can see our football philosophy through the games. We will try to control the tempo of the game, take possession of the ball, and make things difficult for the opponent through aggressive high pressing. At the same time, I have always believed that young players should have the opportunity to showcase themselves. As long as they have the ability, they will get playing time, instead of waiting indefinitely. I am very much looking forward to going to the United States to join the team. The preseason tour will be the first step we take together.”

Club president Alan Pace said: "Niki Hein has the coaching ability to shape the team's character and improve the players' individual abilities, which is exactly the football philosophy we hope to showcase at Töfmoor Stadium. His arrival is in line with the club's future development direction."

"This appointment is the result of a long-term evaluation and thorough discussion by the club, and it is an important decision that aligns with our future development direction. We have always adhered to a clear football philosophy and hope to promote the team's growth in a stable and sustainable manner. Nicky Hein will receive support from all aspects of the club to help him implement the team building plan. At this stage, our most important goal is to meet the challenges of the new season, strive for ideal results, and return to the Premier League with a solid foundation."

Nicky Hein will officially join Burnley during their preseason tour in the United States, joining the players and coaching staff. The preseason itinerary is packed with matches, including against FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and Real Salt Lake, before traveling to Amsterdam to face Ajax. After the overseas training camp, the team will return to Tefalmo Stadium for preseason friendlies against Espanyol and Torino, preparing for the new season.

Image source: Internet/Burnley official website