Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Fri 1 May 2026 11:00, UK

Slaven Bilic could face off against former side West Bromwich Albion after being named one of the favourites to become Burnley’s next manager.

Scott Parker left Burnley by mutual consent on Thursday, eight days after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

The former Fulham boss guided Burnley to automatic promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge but the Clarets struggled in the Premier League this term.

The likes of Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy are said to be among the candidates to replace Parker at Turf Moor as they prepare for life in the second tier.

But ex-West Brom boss Bilic is also reportedly in the running, which could see him face off against new Baggies head coach James Morrison.

Slaven Bilic an outsider for Burnley job

Parker steered Burnley to second place in the Championship last season, only missing out on top spot to Leeds United on goal difference as both sides finished on 100 points.

Now, though, he is looking for a new job as the Lancashire team sit 19th in the Premier League. So, who will succeed the former West Ham player? According to one leading bookmaker, former Rangers and Aston Villa boss Gerrard is the favourite to take over at Burnley.

Bilic is quite far down the list, with Wales manager Bellamy, ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and recently sacked Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior also in the running.

Croatian Bilic, who got West Brom promoted in 2020 before being sacked later that year, has been out of management since leaving Al-Fateh in 2024. Whether he returns to the Championship remains to be seen.

Incidentally, Parker’s Burnley were rock solid defensively last season but anything but this term.

However, after securing Championship promotions with Burnley, Bournemouth, and Fulham, the 45-year-old would have had a good chance of getting the Clarets up again. But, Burnley’s hierarchy clearly want to go in a different direction.

West Brom put their faith in James Morrison

Bilic was linked with a return to West Brom earlier this year following the sackings of Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

But West Brom went with Morrison as their caretaker boss instead, and that gamble paid off as he guided them to Championship safety.

West Brom handed Morrison a two-year deal on Thursday, highlighting their, arguably, pragmatic approach with the 39-year-old.

The Baggies are 10 unbeaten but the question is, will he keep this up next season? That remains to be seen.