Sean Dyche ‘leading contender’ to return to Burnley after ‘unbelievable’ twist
Sean Dyche will be among the leading candidates to take over at Burnley if they decide to part ways with Scott Parker in the coming weeks.
Parker is coming under intense pressure at Turf Moor after a miserable season, while their FA Cup defeat against Mansfield has led to increased calls for his head.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Burnley “would love” for Dyche to return if they could convince him to do so.
Dyche has not long been out of work, having been sacked by Nottingham Forest earlier this month, and it is unclear whether he would be keen on an immediate return.
This comes as the 54-year-old was also linked with the Leicester City position, which has now been filled by Gary Rowett as they battle relegation from the Championship.
- Read more: New favourite named in Premier League sack race.
Burnley eye ambitious Sean Dyche reunion
Brown told Football Insider on 16 February that Burnley could sack Parker “immediately” following their shock FA Cup defeat amid growing pressure.
Dyche spent almost 10 years in charge of Burnley between 2012 and 2022, managed over 400 games, and could return sooner than many may have expected.
“It’s difficult to see where Burnley are going to get points,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I’m expecting them to get relegated, and I expect they will be planning for that and already looking ahead to getting back into the Premier League.
“Of course Dyche will be one of the leading candidates if they think he is available.
“Obviously a lot will depend on how keen he is to get back into management, and whether he wants to go back to Burnley, but they would certainly be keen.
“What goes on at Nottingham Forest is unbelievable. They’ve now brought in their fourth manager of the season. It’s just ridiculous if you ask me.
“I don’t think Dyche was doing a bad job there, they’re obviously struggling but what’s the new manager going to do that the other three haven’t?
“Anyway, I don’t think it’s had much impact on Dyche’s reputation and how people view him.
“A lot of clubs will be interested in him over the next year or so, I have no doubt, and he would be one of the best options out there if Burnley could tempt him back in.”
- Read more: Nottingham Forest were slammed for sacking Dyche.
Who could replace Parker at Burnley?
Pressure on Parker’s position has led to speculation about who Burnley could approach to replace him, with their Premier League survival looking unlikely.
Brown told Football Insider that Burnley want an experienced Championship manager to replace Parker as they prepare for their relegation.
Should they get relegated as many expect come the end of the season, the Clarets want somebody who knows how to be successful in the second tier.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are both believed to be contenders for the position as both are out of work and keen to return to the Premier League.
Solksjaer missed out on the interim job at Man United last month, while Gerrard turned down a return to Rangers earlier this season, meaning both are still available.
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