Nicky Hayen explains why Burnley have decided to re-sign Ashley Barnes

Burnley have signed cult hero Ashley Barnes up for one final year.

The 36-year-old had officially become a free agent after his contract ran its course at the end of last season.

The Clarets announced in their retained list they remained in discussions over the striker’s future, with a potential coaching role mooted.

But just over a week out from the start of the new season, the fan favourite has put pen to paper on a fresh one-year deal that will see him see out his playing career at Turf Moor.

A coaching role will then follow next summer.

The Burnley Express asked Burnley boss Nicky Hayen about Barnes’ future role after he was spotted at Turf Moor on Wednesday night for the pre-season friendly against Espanyol.

“Ash signed his contract and he knows the role,” Hayen said. “He's a really important asset for the club. Not only for the team, but also for the club.

“Like I said, he's a legend for the club. He's an ambassador. This is the culture that we have to show.

“He's also a player that knows the dressing room, that knows the league, that knows how important the derby is. It's also a game on a Tuesday night, raining. How important it is for a young group. This experience we can also use.”

Barnes’ renewal comes after Ugo Raghouber became Burnley’s second addition of the season earlier this week.

Lluc Castell, a 19-year-old winger from Espanyol, was the first through the door earlier in July.

On the outgoing front, Luca Koleosho became the latest departure after sealing a permanent exit to Paris FC.

Maxime Esteve, Quilindschy Hartman, Lesley Ugochukwu, Oluwaseun Adewumi, Jaidon Anthony and Loum Tchaouna have also left this summer following last season’s relegation from the Premier League.

Axel Tuanzebe remains a free agent after coming to the end of his contract, while goalkeepers Martin Dubravka and Vaclav Hladky also departed at the end of their deals.