Pundit expresses relegation sympathy for Scott Parker despite Burnley woes
Burnley boss Scott Parker is heading towards his third Premier League relegation as a manager – although one of those comes with an asterisk.
The first demotion on the 45-year-old’s CV came at Fulham during the 2018/19 season, although he was caretaker boss at the time and had only been appointed at the end of February.
But having led the Cottagers back to the top flight via the play-offs, Fulham were again relegated during the 2020/21 season.
Parker didn’t get the opportunity to see out the full season with Bournemouth during the 2022/23 campaign, being sacked after just four games.
But now fast forward to today and Parker’s Burnley side look set to suffer a third consecutive relegation from the Premier League, unless they’re able to pull off a great escape.
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Parker’s former side Fulham, the Clarets sit nine points adrift of safety with only eight games remaining.
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Despite their woes, Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith has a degree of sympathy for Parker, suggesting he’s never really stood a chance with any of the side’s he’s managed in the top division.
“It’s not been easy for him,” he told BestBettingSites.co.uk.
"He’s obviously been with teams that are always going to be fighting against it, like Fulham as well.
"Burnley, he’s never really had the tools. He did brilliantly to get up, but never really had the tools to hold their own in the top flight.
"I remember the episode at Bournemouth when he said he hadn’t got the players equipped to stay up and then shortly afterwards, Bournemouth sacked him. So it’s not gone well for him in the Premier League.
“We’ll see how that pans out at Burnley. It has been difficult for him in the top flight, but you certainly need money when you do get promoted.”
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