Haverfordwest County dealt blow as manager Nicky Hayen departs for Club Brugge
BARRY, WALES - 05 MARCH 2022: Haverfordwest County manager Nicky Hayen during the JD Cymru Premier / Play-off Conference league fixture between Barry Town United FC & Haverfordwest County A.F.C Jenner Park, Barry, Wales, March 5th, 2022. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Haverfordwest County are on the search for a new first-team manager after the departure of Nicky Hayen.
Hayen is returning to his native Belgium after Club Brugge met a release clause in his contract with the Bluebirds.
He has successfully agreed to personal teams and will become the Head Coach of their Under-23’s team, which play in the second tier of Belgian football.
Chairman Rob Edwards said on the clubs official website: “I am desperately disappointed to lose Nicky. His achievements and impact on and off the pitch in such a short space of time were remarkable and justified the faith we showed in him when we appointed him.
“As disappointed as I am to lose Nicky, I fully appreciate his reasoning. None more so than having the opportunity to work for the biggest club in your home country, and being so close to your family.”
The UEFA Pro Licence holder had only signed a new one-year extension back in April, but the move will be softened by the fact a compensation package was agreed upon between the two clubs.
The 41-year-old had been in charge of the club for five months, managing his first match in February, overseeing ten in total, picking up five wins, a draw, and four defeats.
He guided the West Wales side to safety after being involved in a relegation battle, with the team finishing in 10th under his stewardship.
Haverfordwest had made four new signings in Ioan Evans, Lewis Brass, Jamie Veale, and Rhys Abbruzzese before Hayen’s departure was announced, as well as seeing six players leave the club.
