Alan Pace breaks silence as Burnley anxiety grows | OneFootball

Alan Pace has spoken to Burnley supporters about the club's financial situation.

There is growing discomfort at Burnley after the club's woeful start to the season, coupled with concerns over the club's ownership.

The Clarets are rock bottom of the Championship table and are without a win from their opening eight matches as Nicky Hayen's men look devoid of confidence.

ALK Capital, an American investment group led by Alan Pace, took over the club in 2020, and they have yo-yoed between the Premier League and the second tier since.

However, Burnley look more likely to drop to League One than return to the top flight this term and, with anxiety about the club's finances, Pace has responded.

What Alan Pace told Burnley's Fan Advisory Board meeting

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When ALK Capital acquired Burnley in 2021, it was reported that the club borrowed around £60million from MSD UK Holdings to help finance payments to the previous shareholders.

That sparked initial concern that the debt associated with the takeover would effectively become a burden on the Lancashire club for years to come.

The Clarets' latest accounts, reported in 2025, also make for concerning reading, as turnover was almost halved due to the club being a Championship side, which they are again now.

Despite the understandable worry, Burnley's ownership remains "comfortable" with the club’s ability to meet its future financial commitments, Pace told last week’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting via Burnley Express.

The publication reports that the 58-year-old has stated he was “unequivocal” that the club remained financially secure and was prepared for a variety of future scenarios.

Furthermore, he told supporters in attendance that more than £40m of inter-company debt had already been repaid, while he admitted further borrowing may occur.

What to make of Pace's latest comments

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With just under three weeks until Burnley's next fixture, Pace's words have come at a point when supporters have time to digest what he has said.

Of course, at this moment in time, they are just words, and while they may temporarily ease supporters’ concerns, only time will tell whether they have any substance.

Many wondered whether the future of new manager Nicky Hayen would come into question during the international break, an ideal time to change leadership, but it seems that he will be backed to turn things around.

The glaring facts are that the Clarets will suffer a further loss of revenue following their relegation to the Championship, and if results do not improve, January could prove to be a pivotal transfer window.

Can Nicky Hayen fix the Clarets' leaky defence?

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While results have obviously been concerning, performances have not offered any salvation as the players look completely devoid of any confidence on the pitch.

Of course, the Clarets sold a host of their best players over the summer to raise funds, including Maxime Esteve, Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony, but the incoming players do not appear up to scratch.

Burnley have conceded 17 goals, the joint-most of any side in the Championship alongside Norwich City, with number one Max Weiß dropped and Hayen regularly tinkering with his backline.

Kyle Walker is a leader with vast experience, and he must find a way to remain positive, rally his teammates and help them dig deep to find ways to win by any means necessary.