Burnley

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

0/10. I just feel so very numb at the moment, and very disconnected from football. We seem to have lost our identity completely - even our shirts have turned into a shade of purple now, rather than Claret. I am struggling to see what we are trying to be. Our recruitment has been haphazard, our managerial decisions baffling, and each Premier League campaign has got steadily worse since ALK took over the club, both in terms of points and league positions. "Forever forward" is ALK's new motto for the club: perhaps that is the case in terms of commercial offering, but on the pitch we are going backwards.

Best moment and why

I take absolutely no pleasure in saying this, but Scott Parker leaving his role as head coach. It was becoming an impossible position for him to be in, and the club should have put him and us out of our misery much earlier than this. When that announcement was made, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief. But what a waste of a season.

Player of season and why

A very close tie between Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony - the former for his goals, and the latter for being probably the only player in the squad to show real effort consistently. He seems like one of the few who wants to be here and cares.

Unsung hero and why

Ross Wallace, for stepping up to be caretaker manager of the women's team, and overseeing a title and promotion to WSL2. The only good news of this season.

Biggest disappointment

Pretty much everything about the entire season has been a disappointment, no more so than our pitiful displays in both cup competitions. But one that stung a little was the early injury to Josh Cullen. We missed his leadership skills and talent in the team and, while it may not have caused a disappointment to the overall results, his voice as club captain would have helped bridge that growing disconnection between club and fans.

What needs to change this summer?

The whole club needs to change because we are so very lost at the moment. We need to start again from scratch.

Major hope for next season?

We get our managerial appointment right.

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

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Former Burnley centre-back David Unsworth on BBC Radio Lancashire: "Unfortunately, it is Championship football as we have known for some time now.

"A massive rebuild is needed, not just in terms of trying to bounce back up next season, but by trying to build a team and squad that doesn't need major surgery if they do get promoted.

"We need to decide on who is going to be the manager – how many weeks has it been and nothing has been done? Massive decisions on who is coming, staying or leaving.

"I was thinking if I was a Burnley fan coming to the ground, what would I want? I read the owner's [Alan Pace] programme notes, and he touched on the manager.

"I want something more. I want a clear plan. I want him to come out and demand success. It was all about hard work and desire. That is a given for any player, in any team. You shouldn't even have to ask that.

"I want to see a clear vision, I want to see a strategy out in place, I want to see great recruitment. I want to see this team bounce back up and stay there.

"I just want more – these fans have been brilliant all season. They have stuck by the team despite all the losses.

"I think they deserve a lot more than what they're getting.

"They have got to get somebody in and there are no guarantees, it doesn't matter who it is.

"Someone who the fans can get right behind, someone with real stature that can come into this great football club and have an immediate reaction and also attract top players not only to get them up, but to keep them up when they get back into the Premier League."

Image source, Getty Images

Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.

Prediction: 20th

Another joyless season in the Premier League for Burnley, doomed to relegation under the now sacked Scott Parker, long before the drop was officially confirmed.

Burnley's top brass were more ambitious in the markets, signing experienced players such as Kyle Walker, but one look at Armando Broja's injury record should have told them to keep their £20m in their pocket.

What I said in August: "It is a bold transfer strategy, but will it be enough to keep Burnley up? I have my doubts."

Check out the rest of my review here

We asked for your views on Burnley's draw against Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season.

Here are some of your comments:

Alan: This feels different to previous relegations. The lack of fight and direction from management - more than anything else - makes it seem like we are heading for another 50 years in the Football League wilderness.

Mark: At last it's over! Bring on the Championship - the better league.

Steve: Poor season, but so unlucky at times with VAR and several decisions. What was the point of Armando Broja and Lyle Foster? And Florentino Luis for that matter. Kyle Walker should have stepped up more as well.

Robert: Typical. Poor manager and the players lacked effort and talent. It's a shame when they worked so hard to get back into the Premier League.

John: A fighting display in the second half is, hopefully, a sign of things to come. Loum Tchaouna and Lesley Ugochukwu have been rejuvenated since Scott Parker. We are resigned to losing some of our stars but we must retain the core squad. With some coming and goings we can be competitive in the Championship. We must learn from Sunderland about building the foundations of a team that can be competitive in the Premier League, as well, if we make it back.

Steve: Give Mike Jackson at least a full season and get Ashley Barnes on the coaching staff to give them some bite. The Championship is a tough league and completely different to the Premier League. On the upside, no VAR. Football can be fun again.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

Burnley interim head coach Mike Jackson speaking to Sky Sports: "We didn't start the game well at all. We haven't been used to having a lot of the ball, so when you do have it, you can be a little bit sloppy. But we had a few words at half-time - we fixed a couple of things and created a lot of chances, and solved a lot of the problems we were causing ourselves."

On whether the club can keep striker Zian Flemming in the Championship: "For him to get another goal in the Premier League is outstanding for him personally. You want to keep all your best players, but the reality of what's happened this season means it can be difficult. The club will do its best - it's a balancing act looking at the finances, but you want to try to keep your best players."

On appointing a new manager after Scott Parker's departure: "Since Scott left, it's been a bit quiet on that front. The club have to do its due diligence on where to go. We've been in this situation before and it's not good to be in it again. We have to learn from it and know what we need in the Championship next season. Setbacks define you, but it's what we do next that matters."

On whether there will be clarity in the next couple of weeks: "Hopefully, yeah. I don't know the talks that have gone on, but the sooner they can get the appointment they're after, then you can start to plan a little bit more."

Did you know?

• Flemming has scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season for Burnley, with only Chris Wood (14 in 2019-20 and 12 in 2020-21) and Ashley Barnes (12 in 2018-19) managing more for the club in a campaign in the competition.

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley would not have thought things could get worse after it was confirmed as early as April that they will head straight back to the Championship.

But Wolves threatened to pile on the misery on the final day, taking the lead early through Adam Armstrong to condemn the hosts to the bottom of the 'as it stands' table.

It took Zian Flemming to step up once again as the 27-year-old striker has done so often this season with his 11th goal of the season.

The Clarets finished the season with the worst home record in the top flight this season, only picking up 13 points from 19 matches. They have also now gone 15 games without a win in front of their fans.

While Flemming would hope his impressive goals tally would boost his hopes of making the Netherlands squad for the World Cup this summer, the Clarets will now turn their full attention to appointing a successor for Scott Parker, who left the club last month following their relegation from the Premier League.

Wales manager Craig Bellamy, his former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard and Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy have been heavily linked with the vacant position.

But whoever takes charge faces a significant challenge if they are to guide Burnley back to the Premier League.

A draw against fellow relegated side Wolves ended a miserable season in the Premier League for Burnley.

There is likely to be a summer of change at the Clarets as attention turns to the Championship.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you are feeling.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Burnley and Wolves have both made one change for Sunday's final game of the Premier League season.

Burnley XI: Weiss, Walker, Tuanzebe, Ugochukwu, Anthony, Humphreys, Florentino, Tchaouna, Flemming, Pires, Mejbri.

Subs: Dubravka, Bruun Larsen, Edwards, Roberts, Ekdal, Ward-Prowse, Amdouni, Laurent, Barnes.

Wolves XI: Sa, Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Krejci, Wolfe, Rodrigo Gomes, Andre, Angel Gomes, Mane, Hwang, Armstrong.

Subs: Bentley, Lima, Tchatchoua, Toti, Hugo Bueno, Sutherland, Abbey, Edozie, Arokodare.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Since Wolves beat Liverpool on 3 March, these two teams have not managed a single win between them out of a total of 16 games.

Wolves were showing some signs of improvement back then, but they could not sustain it. It's been a horrible season for them.

As for Burnley, well they put up a decent fight against Arsenal on Monday but they still lost - and that is probably the story of their campaign.

So, will either of them give their fans something to smile about on Sunday? Wolves have not won an away league game all season, and I don't see that changing now.

The sensible thing to do here would be to go for a draw but I have got a predictions title to win so I need to take some risks. I am going to back Burnley to edge it.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Relegated Burnley and Wolves have little at stake beyond the small incentive of avoiding a last-place finish. It is only the second time two already-relegated sides have met on the final day in the Premier League era.

Burnley's effort without a cutting edge

Mike Jackson cut a frustrated figure after Burnley's narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, admitting he was "disappointed that we didn't win the game."

If you didn't know their league position, you might have assumed they were pushing for Europe rather than fighting to avoid finishing bottom.

The Clarets competed well against the now champions. They stayed organised, restricted Arsenal to just three shots on target and stayed in the contest deep into the game.

In isolation, it was a performance to build on.

But as has so often been the case, the decisive moment went against them.

A set-piece proved costly, and at the other end Burnley offered little threat. They failed to register a shot on target, underlining a recurring problem.

Across the season, they have struggled to turn effort into attacking quality – reflected in their league's fewest shot count (339), lack of accuracy and frequent blanks in front of goal.

Burnley have lost just one of their last 10 Premier League meetings with Wolves and are chasing a second league double over them. However, their home form is horrendous, with a long winless run of 14 games at Turf Moor stretching back to October.

Wolves' flashes that came too late

Wolves' season of struggle has been laid bare by the 272 days they've spent rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, the longest any side has ever spent in a single campaign.

There have been moments that hinted at more, though. The standout came in March when they beat Liverpool 2-1, a result that briefly suggested a late push for survival might be possible.

But the revival never materialised. Away from home, Wolves have struggled badly, still searching for a first league win on the road this season.

That has been a key factor in why they have largely remained at the bottom of the table for so long.

If they can earn that elusive victory, it would be enough to move them above Burnley and avoid finishing bottom.

Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Wolves at Turf Moor (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team selection for the final day of the season: "Obviously, you're looking at how we can give people some minutes, manipulate the squad a little bit, but it is tricky. It is something I have to sit down and look at in the next couple of days. That is definitely in my thought process. It is the worst part of the job, having to pick a team and leaving somebody out – you don't want to do that."

• On people in the club wanting to draw a line under this season: "There will be, let's be honest. There are probably bits of it where people are saying 'it is nearly done, I can't wait for it to get finished', but that is them. I can't influence that. You still have to be professional no matter what your role is."

• Clarets forward Ashley Barnes' contract expires at the end of the campaign, but Jackson did not confirm whether the 36-year-old would feature against Wolves: "Barnesy is away on his coaching course at this moment in time, so we just have to have look at the whole squad and what we need for the game."

• Jackson admitted he has "mixed emotions" towards the final day of the season, as they "have not achieved" their aim of staying in the top-flight.

• The interim head coach said Burnley have to "learn" from their past two experiences of failing to stay in the league, adding: "We must sit down as a club and really look at if we get back up again, how do we then stay in this division. That is something that is ongoing."

• On facing Wolves: "The boys know what we need to do and what the game is. Nobody wants to finish bottom of the league, our full focus will be on that now. We have to maintain what we have been doing the past couple of games – we go for it again, and we try and win the game. You shouldn't be walking away from the ground knowing you have not played your part."

Got a question about Burnley? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

Have you seen that advert from before the most recent Women's World Cup, fronted by male stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann which showcases the French footballing skill on the international stage? Except there is a twist - it is, in fact, coverage of the women's team with the male players super-imposed over the top.

Well, imagine it is Monday 18 May, 2026 and you are watching Arsenal take on Burnley in a crucial Premier League game which may well dictate the destination of the title. Hannibal Mejbri lunges in on Declan Rice in a reckless and high challenge, plunging his studs into Rice's calf muscles. The referee makes no hesitation in showing Hannibal a straight red and Burnley are left with 10 men as he makes his way down the tunnel.

"But that's not them you've just seen" is the headline in the French advert. And oh, don't we know it. Because this is the Premier League and VAR in 2026.

There is not a scenario in the world where Kai Havertz should have stayed on the pitch following his awful challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu.

A statement from the Premier League Match Centre said: "The referee's call of yellow card to Havertz was checked and confirmed by VAR - with the challenge deemed not to be serious foul play."

VAR is done. What is the point of it? Every single week we are reviewing mistakes and controversy and trying to understand baffling decisions. I will not miss it one bit next season.

In the meantime, there was a lot to be said about Burnley's own performance.

Mike Jackson has them playing with a little more freedom and we are a little more attacking. It is unclear as to the value of this improved confidence, given we do not yet know how many of this side will be sold in the summer, but beating Wolves on Sunday to avoid finishing bottom would be a morale boost for the fans.

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley were beaten 1-0 by title-chasers Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Monday and we asked for your views on the Clarets' performance against the Gunners.

Here are some of your replies:

Neil: A battling performance overall, however the different class told in the end. The result in games often hinge on one decision and, as usual, VAR chose to ignore an obvious red card decision in favour of Burnley. Who knows what could have happened against a 10-man Arsenal? Good riddance to VAR next season, it has ruined the fans' enjoyment of the game.

Steve: Another satisfying performance from Burnley, albeit too little too late. We are playing more freely and we are attacking teams, yet we are now more solid in defence.

Simon: Considering the way this season has gone, Burnley's display at Arsenal deserved huge credit. Mike Jackson has immediately done what supporters had been pleading for all year - take the handbrake off. Burnley still had to defend heroically for long periods against the league's best side, but there was finally an attacking threat too. Loum Tchaouna's pace and Jaidon Anthony's creativity are no longer being restricted by an overly cautious setup. The biggest frustration is this shift in approach has arrived far too late, leaving many wondering what might have happened if the change come before our fate was effectively sealed.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It was always going to tough for Burnley, given the disappointing season they have had, to get a result away to the league leaders.

The Clarets, rooted in 19th place since November, have suffered their third Premier League relegation in five seasons and are without a permanent manager following the departure of Scott Parker.

They have won just one of their past 27 league games and managed just two away victories all season.

Winger Loum Tchaouna did provide a bright spark for Burnley, almost helping his side into an unlikely first-half lead when his cross was put wide by Hannibal Mejbri.

Jaidon Anthony also gave Burnley threat down the other wing with his pace but he could only produce a curling effort that went over the bar in the second half.

Burnley reached 100 points the last time they were in the Championship, to earn promotion to the Premier League, and can only hope that they can bounce back again after failing to establish themselves this time around.

Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson speaking to the BBC: "Over the last two games, they have been positive performances. We knew the challenge that we were coming into tonight. A lot of people probably thought we might give up after what happened with the relegation and accused the boys of not trying, so I am really pleased tonight and the last game as well to show what they are actually capable of.

"The capability they have got and showed, that has to be a minimum for them. At this level, they can do it and they have shown that tonight, they showed it against Villa. We came on the wrong side of the result, and a decision that I think is not the best, but I am really pleased for the group.

"It has been there in spells but it is just the consistency. If you are not winning games, that can affect the confidence. It is a young group in terms of experience and they are learning. I am sure you will see some of that team, some of that group in the Premier League, whether it is this year, next year or years to come, because there is a lot of talent just not the experience needed."

On the Havertz non-red: "Yes you know the one I am talking about. In today's game, it is a red card and it is dangerous. He could have injured him as well. That means that they go down to 10 with 20 minutes to go, we are still in the game. We stayed in the game as long as we could. They're big decisions that sometimes we don't get, and we haven't got throughout the season."

On the future of the club: "I've not thought about that. I've had this remit for the last three games and that is all I'm focused on, to be honest."

Did you know?

• Burnley suffered their 24th Premier League defeat of the season, equalling their most league defeats in a season, also losing 24 in 2009-10 and 2023-24.

• Burnley's Lucas Pires has never ended on the winning side in any of his 19 Premier League appearances (D8 L11), with only Ben Brereton (24) ever playing more games without a win in Premier League history.

• Burnley have failed to score in 14 of their 37 games, only Wolverhampton Wanderers (19) have failed to score more often in the Premier League this season.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Burnley's display?

Come back on Tuesday for a selection of your replies

With right-back Ben White out with a knee injury that will see him miss the World Cup, Cristhian Mosquera is his replacement.

That is one of three changes from the Arsenal side that began the 1-0 win at West Ham. Kai Havertz gets the nod up front, with Viktor Gyokeres among the substitutes, while Martin Odegaard is back in midfield, replacing Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Mosquera, Odegaard, Rice, Trossard, Eze, Saka, Havertz.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Dowman, Martinelli, Madueke, Jesus, Gyokeres.

Already-relegated Burnley name the same 11 that began the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on 10 May.

Burnley XI: Weiss, Pires, Esteve, Tuanzebe, Walker, Ugochukwe, Florentino, Anthony, Mejbri, Tchaouna, Flemming.

Subs: Dubravka, Hartman, Humphreys, Worrall, Ward-Prowse, Laurent, Bruun Larsen, Amdouni, Edwards.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley's fate is already sealed, but the Clarets can have a big say on who wins the Premier League title.

It is still all to play for between league leaders Arsenal and Manchester City, so Monday's game at the Emirates is a must-win one for the Gunners.

Can the Clarets cause an upset?

Natalie Bromley from the No Nay Never podcast, external said: "It feels nice to be part of the narrative for tonight's game, having spent most of the season feeling irrelevant and invisible.

"Perhaps this Burnley side can find a competitive edge and make themselves part of history after all.

"It would go a long way to get the fans back on side, seeing a team play for pride and with fierceness.

"Let's at least make this Arsenal side work for the title."