Nicky Hayen in as Genk head coach shortly after leaving Club Brugge | OneFootball

Genk have announced that Nicky Hayen will be the sides new head coach. The former Beveren and Club Brugge man replaces Thorsten Fink, who was sacked after a 1-1 draw against Westerlo. Hayen has signed what the club has described as a ‘permanent contract’, something that Fink had also signed during his time in charge.

Hayen was available after being sacked by Club Brugge a few weeks ago. During his first few months in charge of the side Hayen had won the league via the play-offs. The following season he led the side on an extended run in the Champions League and lifted the domestic cup. Hayen was unfortunate to see some key players leave in the summer and was unable to provide consistency during the current season. However, Hayen was popular amongst the Club Brugge fans who were far from happy with him being let go.

Hayen’s first game in charge of Genk will, ironically, be against his former side Club Brugge on Boxing Day.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson