Burnley manager Nicky Hayen has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity he was given by Haverfordwest County AFC, a club he says was vital for his coaching journey. The 46-year-old Belgian spent six months in charge at the Bridge Meadow Stadium, arriving on New Year's Eve 2021 to succeed Wayne Jones.
Hayen took over with the Bluebirds second from bottom of the Cymru Premier and guided them to safety and to the brink of the European play-offs in less than six months. His impressive work in Pembrokeshire caught the eye back in his homeland, leading to his departure in June 2022 to take charge of Club Brugge's under-23 side, Club NXT.
"I really liked my time over there, but also the connection with the chairman," Hayen told reporters. He was appointed by then-chairman Rob Edwards, who was disappointed to see him leave so soon. Hayen added, "I will always be grateful for him for the chance, but also for the opportunity that he let me go back to Belgium."
That move back to Belgium proved major. After a spell as first-team assistant, Hayen was appointed interim manager at Club Brugge in March 2024 and won nine of the final 10 games to clinch the Belgian Pro League title. Following a stint with Genk, he was appointed boss of Burnley during the summer, taking over a side relegated from the Premier League last season.
His return to Wales last week with Burnley yielded a draw at Wrexham and a 3-1 defeat at Swansea, leaving his new club bottom of the Championship with 4 points from 8 games. Hayen's immediate task is to prepare his squad for their next Championship fixtures, a home match against Watford, as they look to climb the standings.
The club Hayen left behind has continued to progress, qualifying for Europe twice under his successor. After a difficult start this season with five straight league defeats, Haverfordwest County AFC are now unbeaten in their last three matches. They sit 11th in the Cymru Premier with seven points from eight games, a run that includes a 3-1 victory over Briton Ferry last time out.
That win, with goals from D. Hawkins, C. Shephard and R. Abbruzzese, forms part of a recent sequence of two wins, one draw and two losses. Burnley will be hoping their own key players, can find similar form to help them improve their league position.
