Three possible replacements for Sean Dyche at Burnley

Burnley sent shockwaves through the Premier League world on Good Friday when they made the shock decision to sack Sean Dyche ahead of a crucial league encounter with West Ham United on Easter Sunday — ending the 50-year-old manager’s 10-year stint in the Turf Moor dugout. 

It is a decision that has not gone down well with football fans and pundits alike, especially as the club doesn’t appear to have a proper replacement lined up, and relegation to the Championship for the first time since their return to the top flight in 2016 looms. 

With their future in serious doubt, it’s unclear whether Burnley are going to make a permanent appointment until the Premier League and English Football League seasons have concluded — allowing the club’s hierarchy to weigh up their options entirely. That said, read on as we take a look three of the top contenders according to the sports bets sites. 

Chris Wilder

With a place in the play-offs looking increasingly unlikely for Middlesbrough after suffering their third defeat in four matches, Chris Wilder’s future at the Riverside is also looking uncertain — the Teeside outfit have shown their ruthless side in recent years after all, not given Jonathan Woodgate or Neil Warnock much of a crack.

Now the bookies’ favourite at even money, Wilder might have poured cold water on the red-hot rumours after the recent defeat to Huddersfield, but with Boro now outsiders for the play-offs and Burnley just three points adrift of safety — the 54-year-old might even jump ship now. There hasn’t been any contact between the sides yet though. 

Sam Allardyce

If there’s one man that would suit Burnley’s route one style of football, it’s Sam Allardyce. The 67-year-old has garnered a reputation as somewhat of a ‘relegation specialist’ throughout his lengthy managerial career but hasn’t taken to the dugout since failing to keep West Bromwich Albion up at the end of the 2020-21 season — suffering his first relegation. 

‘Big Sam’, as he is affectionately known by the footballing community, is reportedly unsure over taking the reins at Turf Moor given Burnley’s current position. But it is believed if he is to take the role, he will demand hefty wages for his services and will demand the job on a permanent basis next season should he the Clarets up. 

Wayne Rooney

With Derby County’s relegation from the Championship now confirmed, albeit much later than many would have expected given the 21 points they were deducted earlier in the season, the future of the club is looking rather misty — with a potential takeover from preferred bidder Chris Kirchner yet to be completed and Wayne Rooney a wanted man. 

Given the club’s current circumstances, Rooney worked wonders with his restricted budget — saving them from the drop was just a step too far. He’s already turned down an approach from Everton and has claimed he wants to be the man who rebuilds the Pride Park club. But if things don’t go how he wants over the next few weeks, Rooney will likely leave the midlands and Burnley could be his landing spot.