Burnley has fired manager Sean Dyche with eight games remaining in the Premier League season.

The Clarets sit 18th and four points from safety, having lost five of their previous six top-flight games.

Dyche had been at Turf Moor since October 2012, making him the Premier League’s longest-serving manager.

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Burnley chairman Alan Pace said parting ways with the 50-year-old was “an incredibly difficult decision,” but “we feel a change is needed.”

Dyche’s last game as manager of Burnley was a 2-0 loss against Norwich City, who are currently bottom of the Premier League.

Ian Woan, the club’s assistant manager, as well as first-team coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer, have all departed the club.

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“Firstly, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sean and his staff for their achievements at the club over the last decade,” said Pace.

He continued, “During his time at Turf Moor, Sean has been a credit both on and off the pitch, respected by players, staff, supporters, and the wider football community. However, results this season have been disappointing and, while this was an incredibly difficult decision, with eight crucial games of the campaign remaining, we feel a change is needed to give the squad the best possible chance of retaining its Premier League status.”

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“Under-23s coach Mike Jackson, assisted by academy director Paul Jenkins, Under-23s goalkeeping coach Connor King and club captain Ben Mee has been asked to take charge of the team for Sunday’s game with West Ham United. The process of replacing Sean has begun and further announcements will be made to supporters in due course,” he added.

Dyche had signed a new four-year contract with Burnley until 2025 in September of last year.

During his time with the club, he led them to two Championship promotions and two top-half Premier League finishes.

He also aided Burnley to win its first European qualifying in 51 years, as well as a solid seventh-place finish in the Premier League in 2017-18.

The Clarets, on the other hand, have won just four Premier League games this season, the league’s poorest victory record.