Steven Gerrard has been handed a clear route back into football management after Burnley and Scott Parker parted ways just four games before the end of the Premier League season. The Clarets have already been relegated from the top flight and will return to the Championship just one season after earning promotion.
The decision would give Gerrard a route back into management, with the ex-Rangers and Aston Villa having been linked to the now vacant position. Gerrard has been out of management work since leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent in January 2025.
A statement from Burnley read: “Scott Parker has left his position as Head Coach of Burnley Football Club by mutual consent. Following confirmation of the Club’s relegation from the Premier League last week, Parker and the Board held discussions and mutually agreed that his time at Turf Moor would conclude.
“During his tenure at Turf Moor, Parker guided the Clarets to a record-breaking season in the 2024/25 campaign, securing Burnley promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, with a 33-match unbeaten run, keeping a remarkable 30 clean sheets. The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Scott for his professionalism, dedication and contribution. He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected with Burnley Football Club.
“Mike Jackson, supported by the existing backroom staff, will take interim charge for the Clarets’ remaining four Premier League fixtures, beginning with Friday’s match away to Leeds United. The process of appointing a new permanent Head Coach ahead of the 2026/27 season has begun.”
Commenting on his exit, Parker told the Burnley website: “It has been an immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years. I have enjoyed every moment of our journey together, but feel that now is the right time for both parties to move in a different direction.
“I reflect back with great pride on what we achieved during my time at the club, especially our unforgettable promotion season in 2024/25, and it was a true honour to lead this team into the Premier League. I would like to thank Alan and the ownership group for their support during my time at the club.
“My thanks also go to the fantastic and tireless staff behind the scenes and, most importantly, to the players, who have given me everything since the first day I arrived. Finally, thank you to the Burnley fans. I wish you all and this great club nothing but the very best for the future.”
Gerrard is the favourite with the bookies to take charge of the Turf Moor outfit, but speaking recently, the ex-Liverpool ace revealed he wasn’t ‘itching’ to get back in the dugout. He explained: “I’ve enjoyed parts of it, [but] I’ve had some difficult times as well. Obviously when you get the sack it’s not nice… Possibly, yeah [to accepting another job].
“I’m not throwing my CV around, I’m not itching, I’m not sort of desperate for any opportunity, but if the phone goes…the phone’s gone a few times recently and it’s just been bad timing, or family-wise, or it just hasn’t been the right thing, but if something comes that’s right, I’ll be open to a conversation, for sure.”
Burnley’s trudge towards the Championship continues on Friday away to Leeds, before matches against Aston Villa, Arsenal and Wolves to finish the season.