Burnley boss Hayen 'grateful' to Haverfordwest

Nicky Hayen had managed Waasland-Beveren in the Belgian Pro League prior to his appointment by Haverfordwest [Getty Images] Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen has spoken of his gratitude to Cymru Premier club Haverfordwest County, where he spent sixth months in charge. The 46-year-old Belgian was County chairman Rob Edwards' surprise appointment when he took over in December 2021. Hayen returned to Wales twice last week as his struggling Championship side faced Wrexham and Swansea and remains friends with Edwards. "I really liked my time over there, but also the connection with the chairman." Hayen said, speaking after the 1-1 draw against Wrexham. "I'm still in contact with him. "Every week or every two weeks I'm in contact with him and of course I follow the results. "They were not so good [at the begging of this season], but they started to change." County were second from bottom of Welsh football's top-flight when Hayen arrived as successor to Wayne Jones on New Year's Eve 2021. But he guided the club to safety and to the verge of the European play-offs in less than six months. "It was for me like a new start there - a start that changed a lot for me, especially on the sports side," Hayen added. "I will always be grateful for him [Edwards] for the chance, but also for the opportunity that he let me go back to Belgium." Nicky Hayen looks on from the touchline during Haverfordwest's Cymru Premier game at Barry Town United in March 2022 [FAW] Edwards was "desperately disappointed" when in June 2022 Hayen left the west Wales club to become head coach of Club NXT - Club Brugge's under-23s. He would progress to become first-team assistant after former England international Scott Parker was sacked in 2023. In March 2024 Hayen was appointed interim manager when ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila left and won nine of the final 10 games to win the Belgian Pro League. He left Club Brugge in December 2025 and after a spell with rivals Genk, Hayen was appointed Burnley boss during the summer - once again succeeding Parker. Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, have yet to win under Hayen and are bottom of the Championship after Saturday's 3-1 loss at Swansea. Former club Haverfordwest - who have twice qualified for Europe under Hayen's successor - also had a poor start to the season. County lost their opening five league games, but are unbeaten in their last three including two wins.