What We Know
Current Burnley Chief Executive David Baldwin will leave the club at the end of the season after being named new CEO of the EFL. Joining the Clarets in 2014 as COO, he was handed the top job in 2015 before overseeing a period of sustained success for the club, which included promotion to the Premier League.
He was named Premier League CEO of the Year in 2018, but will now take charge of the English Football League and is tasked with guiding the organisation in the wake of the expulsion of Bury FC, financial turmoil at Bolton FC, and player protests at Macclesfield Town FC.
The decision was made by the EFL Board following a selection process led by Chairman Rick Parry. Rick Parry said said: “We are pleased to welcome David Baldwin to the EFL. He has a deep and thorough understanding of the game in this country; he joins us with direct experience of running clubs in the Premier League and the EFL, with an excellent reputation and proven ability to build and grow relationships. David was the outstanding candidate in a strong field. With his strong leadership skills and enthusiasm for League football, I have no doubt that we have found the right person to lead the organisation.”
David Baldwin said : “The role of Chief Executive at the EFL is an exciting opportunity that I could not turn down. The EFL continues to play a pivotal role in the success of the football pyramid in this country and I am looking forward working with the Clubs, growing the competitions and ensuring we have a successful and sustainable League in the future.”
Baldwin will take up his role in June 2020.
What may happen ?
With a influential figure like David Baldwin leaving, it could be a disaster for Burnley if Sean Dyche also leaves for a different challenge. Dyche celebrated five years in charge last week but remains among the favourites for a premier league job elsewhere.
In the five years since he took over from Eddie Howe with Burnley languishing near the foot of the Championship, the 46-year-old former Chesterfield centre-half can certainly reflect on being successful. A first promotion was gained almost impossibly early and though Burnley went straight down the team and the plan stayed together. They re-emerged stronger than ever, a pattern that seems to be repeating now they are building on last season’s survival. Dyche splits the club’s achievements into actual success – two promotions – and relative success – staying up for the first time – though others tend to see a manager who knows what he is doing. It is no surprise when Dyche was strongly linked with jobs elsewhere.
But…
The Clarets’ hierarchy have their contingency plans at the moment in case Dyche is lured out from the club. Chris Houghton and David Moyes are available at the moment and offer strong defensive approaches which suit Sean Dyche’s . What happens though in future, time will tell…
