Burnley boss Nick Hayen ‘grateful’ to Cymru Premier’s Haverfordwest

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.”