Burnley confirm the appointment of new head coach Fabio Celestini

Burnley have moved swiftly to appoint Fabio Celestini as their new head coach.

The 50-year-old succeeds Nicky Hayen, who was only sacked on Saturday evening following the 4-1 defeat to Lincoln City.

Hayen lasted just 106 days in the role, having won just one of his 12 league games in charge.

According to the Clarets, Celestini arrives with a “proven capacity to win” and an ability to “adapt to different football environments”.

He enjoyed his best success with Swiss giants Basel, where he helped them recover from a nightmare start to the season and, within 18 months, led them to a domestic league and cup double.

Most recently at CKSA Moscow, Celestini has also managed Lausanne-Sport, Lugano, Luzern and Sion.

The Swiss coach becomes the 32nd permanent manager in Burnley’s history. The club has not provided any details of his contract length.

The club’s announcement of Celestini’s appointment includes no details on his backroom staff or what will happen to the coaches already at the club.

The Burnley Express understands, however, that Celestini will be joined by at least two members of his backroom staff.

“I look at Burnley and I see a club with big potential and players with real quality, who can help us achieve our supporters’ ambitions,” Celestini said of his arrival.

“I know the situation we are in and I have lived it before. Our supporters deserve to see a team playing with belief from the first whistle.”

The club’s new chief football officer Diego Lopez, who was only officially unveiled on Monday, is said to have played a key part in Celestino’s appointment.

“Fabio brings the passion, experience and knowledge we were looking for,” he explained.

“He showed extraordinary determination and conviction to come to Burnley. We want people who truly want to be here and help this club grow. Fabio is a clear example of that.”

It’s been a busy week for Alan Pace and the club’s owners ALK Capital, who were also forced into sacking Espanyol boss Manolo Gonzalez on Tuesday night.

That came after the Spanish side, who ALK also own, were dumped out of the Copa del Rey by fourth tier side Sestao. They, like Burnley, also sit in the relegation zone.

Like with the Clarets, they’ve also moved quickly to appoint a new man, bringing in former Elche coach Eder Sarabia.