Burnley uncertainty must be sorted by Alan Pace or effects could be felt: View | OneFootball

Burnley are still searching for a permanent replacement for Vincent Kompany almost a month after his move to Bayern Munich.

Highlights

Burnley are preparing for life back in the Championship after their relegation from the Premier League.

The Clarets were only promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship title in the 2022-23 season, but they were relegated after an incredibly disappointing campaign in which they won just five games and accumulated a total of 24 points.

Despite Burnley's struggles in the top flight, manager Vincent Kompany made a shock move to German giants Bayern Munich last month, and the Lancashire outfit are still searching for his replacement.

Craig Bellamy has been appointed as acting head coach, and the Welshman is believed to be under consideration for the permanent job, while a host of other managers have been linked with the role, including Scott Parker, Frank Lampard, Liam Rosenior,, Alan Pardew, Steve Bruce and Thierry Henry.

One name that can be ruled out of contention is Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is closing in on a return to Manchester United to join Erik ten Hag's coaching staff, while Mainz boss Bo Henriksen has played down speculation about a potential move to Turf Moor.

The Clarets will get their season underway against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Monday 12th August, and with just over six weeks to go until their opening fixture, it is essential that they make an appointment soon.

Alan Pace must end Burnley managerial uncertainty

It is understandable that Pace is keen to take his time to appoint Kompany's successor, and with such a talented squad, finding the right manager would give Burnley an excellent chance of making an immediate return to the Premier League.

However, it has now been almost a month since Kompany's exit, and with the players back for pre-season, it will be tough for them to prepare properly without a manager in place.

With uncertainty over the future of a number of the Clarets' key players, it is impossible for the club to make any big decisions until they appoint a manager, and they could miss out on some of their top transfer targets.

Striker Jay Rodriguez insisted this week that it is "business as usual" at the club, and while it is not too damaging at this early stage of pre-season, Burnley could risk falling behind their Championship rivals if their managerial hunt goes on much longer.

Leeds United did not appoint Daniel Farke until the first week of July last summer, and while the Whites eventually reached the play-off final, they did make a slow start to the season, which arguably cost them an automatic promotion spot.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Clarets are keen to make an appointment next week, but with little sign of an imminent decision being made, it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

Scott Parker or Craig Bellamy are the best options for Burnley

With the season fast approaching, it may be too complicated for Burnley to make a move for the likes of Corberan or Cifuentes, so they should focus their attention on those who are currently out of work.

Rosenior and Lampard have shown potential during the early stages of their managerial careers, but they would be a gamble for the Clarets, and if the club are looking to make an external appointment, Parker would be the best option.

Parker has been out of work since being sacked by Club Brugge in March 2023 following a disappointing spell in Belgium, but he has an outstanding track record in the Championship, having achieved two promotions with Fulham and Bournemouth.

There may be some reservations about Parker's style of play, as well as doubts over whether he would be able to manage in the Premier League if Burnley were to get there, but there is no doubt that he is capable of delivering promotion with a proven squad in the second tier - even if, geographically, it's not a move that quite aligns with the former England midfielder.

However, the Clarets should also consider handing Bellamy the role on a permanent basis, and after Pace reportedly made a surprise visit to Mallorca last week to speak to him, it is clear he is a serious candidate.

Bellamy was Kompany's assistant during the club's Championship title-winning season in the 2022-23 campaign, and he is well known to the players, so he could help to continue the project the Belgian started.

The 44-year-old is overseeing the start of pre-season, and at this late stage of the summer, it could make sense to stick with him, but Pace may need to act fast if he wants to appoint Bellamy as he has also been linked with the Wales job following the departure of Rob Page.

There are a number of credible candidates in the frame for the job at Turf Moor, and Pace must make a decision quickly to avoid the uncertainty having a detrimental impact on the Clarets' season.