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Premier League side Burnley are kicking off a search to replace their chief executive just two months after they were acquired by a US firm.

Neil Hart, who took on the role in March 2020, departs the club to pursue new opportunities.

Chairman Alan Pace will take on the role of executive chairman, overseeing the club for an interim period until a successor is appointed.

The announcement comes after Burnley FC were acquired by Velocity Sports Partners (VSP), the sports investment arm of US management firm ALK Capital, at the end of 2020.

Mr Pace said: "With the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the last year has involved several challenges in overseeing a Premier League football club, and I’d like to recognise Neil for the work he’s done at Burnley and in the local community.

"While overseeing the club in the interim period, the board and I will begin the search for a new CEO immediately and will update supporters in due course."

Before becoming Burnley's chief executive, Mr Hart first joined the club in January 2014 as head of community.

He had previously been head of community development at Watford.

The announcement also comes after it was revealed that Burnley FC’s women’s team are to become professional and fully integrated into the Premier League club.