Former Haverfordwest County manager Nicky Hayen could be set for a swift return to management, with the Belgian reportedly in contention for the vacant Aberdeen job just weeks after being sacked by Burnley.
The 46-year-old is understood to be among the candidates being considered by the Scottish Premiership club as they search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Stephen Robinson earlier this week.
According to The Press and Journal, Hayen has made Aberdeen’s seven-man shortlist, with the club holding interviews with potential candidates on Friday. The Scottish outfit’s hierarchy are understood to have travelled to London to speak with several of their preferred targets.
Sky Sports News reports that Hayen, former Scotland manager Steve Clarke and Christian Titz are among those in the frame for the position.
Former Falkirk boss John McGlynn and ex-Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer had also been linked with the vacancy, but are understood to be out of contention.
Hayen could make quick return to management after Burnley disappointment
Hayen’s potential move to Aberdeen comes after a difficult three-month spell at Burnley, where he was dismissed following a disappointing start to the Championship campaign.
The Belgian was unable to turn around the Clarets’ fortunes at Turf Moor, with defensive problems proving particularly costly. Burnley conceded 25 goals in their opening 12 league matches, giving them the worst defensive record in the division at that stage of the season.
Hayen also endured a frustrating run of results, failing to win any of his first eight league games in charge. His only victory came in a convincing 4-0 away win against Watford.
Across his 12 Championship matches, he managed just one league victory, with Burnley repeatedly struggling to turn promising positions into positive results.
A particularly damaging defeat came against Lincoln City, who recovered from falling behind to score four times. That result also left Burnley having dropped 18 points from winning positions during Hayen’s time in charge.
Belgian enjoyed trophy-winning success before Burnley move
Despite his disappointing spell in English football, Hayen arrives with an impressive managerial record elsewhere.
He enjoyed considerable success during an 18-month spell at Belgian giants Club Brugge, winning the Belgian top-flight title and two domestic cups.
He also guided the club to the last 16 of the Champions League during the 2024/25 season, further enhancing his reputation on the European stage.
That record could make him an attractive option for Aberdeen as they look to appoint a manager capable of improving their fortunes and competing in the Scottish Premiership.
Former Haverfordwest County boss began rise in Welsh football
Hayen also has a connection to Welsh football, having previously taken charge of Haverfordwest County in the Cymru Premier.
He arrived at the club on New Year’s Eve in December 2021, replacing Wayne Jones with County sitting second from bottom of the league table.
The Belgian helped turn the club’s fortunes around, guiding them away from the relegation places and laying the foundations for his subsequent rise in management.
His record at Haverfordwest stood at six wins, four draws and five defeats from 15 matches, helping the club secure a 10th-place finish. He would depart the Bridge Meadow to take on the role as manager of Club Brugge’s development side, with Tony Pennock replacing him in the hot seat of the West Wales outfit.
Now, less than five years after arriving in west Wales to take charge of a struggling Cymru Premier side, Hayen could find himself back in management at one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
Aberdeen’s decision will be closely watched, with the former Burnley boss potentially having an opportunity to rebuild his reputation following his disappointing departure from Turf Moor.
