Phil Bardsley backs Burnley for Championship promotion under Nicky Hayen

Burnley have yo-yoed between the Premier League and second tier in recent seasons.

The last two times Burnley dropped from the top tier, they bounced straight back, and Bardsley believes they can do it again under new boss Nicky Hayen, who took charge last month.

Hayen, who turns 46 today, has spent the bulk of his playing and managerial career in his native Belgium.

Flourish

He did, however, have a short stint in charge of Welsh side Haverfordwest County in 2022.

“The Premier League was difficult for them last season,” Bardsley told The FLP. “There was probably a shortage of experienced players.

“I think naturally they’ll be looking to win the league in the Championship – I think they’ll flourish towards the top end of the table.

“I like the sound of the new manager and I’ll be interested to see how he gets on.

“I’m sure he’s aware of what the Championship is like but it’s different until you actually taste it and get stuck into that Saturday/Tuesday momentum.

“However, it might suit him the way he coaches and leads his team to have more games. I’d imagine he’s now got across his ideas of how he wants to play.

“He’s experienced and I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to the challenge. I hope he does well, but they do need to make additions to the squad.”

GOOD TIMES: Phil Bardsley in his Burnley days.
PICTURE: Alamy

Lost connection

Bardsley is also hoping that another of his former clubs, Stoke City, can come out of the Championship shadows and make progress.

“There’s been a recycle of managers and players far too often,” explained the 41-year-old of the Potters’ malaise of recent years.

“Jonny Walters (sporting director) has gone in and Mark Robins (boss) had a decent start to the campaign last year before they tailed off a little bit towards the end.

“They have tried to address that in the players they’ve brought in, to add quality to the group. I think they’ve done that in areas.

“I think the club’s biggest problem is that they probably lost the connection with the fans a little bit. The fans got a little bit bored with what they were watching over recent years.

“It’s important they get that relationship back, but you only do that by winning games.

“The good thing now is that I think they have the right people in the right places to move the club in the right direction.”

Phil Bardsley was speaking to The FLP in conjunction with betTOM