Burnley have sacked Nicky Hayen after only 14 games in charge, in the wake of a 4-1 defeat at Lincoln that left the Clarets in the Championship’s relegation zone.

The Belgian was appointed in the summer as the permanent successor to Scott Parker, who left in April with relegation from the Premier League inevitable. He leaves having won just one match, a 4-0 league victory at Watford on 10 October.

Burnley edged past Notts County on penalties in the Carabao Cup in his first match in charge and recovered in the last seven minutes from 2-0 down to draw at home to West Ham in their opening game of the Championship season. However, they then lost badly at West Brom and Norwich, sandwiching a shootout exit from the Carabao Cup at Bradford, and the pattern was set.

Burnley were fancied to push for promotion, which was achieved in their past two Championship seasons, but are now at risk of relegation. Wolves’ come-from-behind win at Turf Moor last weekend left Hayen on the brink and now the club have acted.

A terse, two-sentence statement on the club website said: “Burnley Football Club has dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen with immediate effect. The board has taken the decision following a disappointing start to the Championship season.”

Hayen had earlier said in his post-match press conference, before news of his dismissal emerged: “It’s frustrating for everyone, especially the fans. I want to apologise to them, but I know it doesn’t matter because it’s another hard defeat for them and I can understand their criticism.

“We haven’t got the results. I will keep on working hard as long as I have the chance. But there will be a day if it carries on like this that it stops. I know it’s a really tough defeat and something to think about for the board.”