Wayne Burnett was born in Lambeth and started out playing for Leyton Orient as a youngster, and represented England at youth level, he soon earned himself a move to Blackburn Rovers becoming one of Kenny Dalglish first signings. Further moves to Plymouth Argyle in 1993,Bolton Wanderers in 1995 then Huddersfield Town followed. Burnett was loaned too Grimsby Town in 1998 and scored the winning golden goal in the 1998 LDV Vans Trophy final at Wembley Stadium against Bournemouth. Burnett stayed with Grimsby until the summer of 2002, but was troubled by a persistent injury problems and signed with Conference sides Woking then Grays Athletic and Fisher Athletic for a short period of time before retiring. In 2004 Burnett made a shock return to the professional game signing for Peterborough United making one appearance for the club before leaving.

Burnett started his managerial career with Fisher Athletic in 2004, winning the London Senior Cup and Southern League Division One East. He then joined Dulwich Hamlet in 2006 before being named manager of Fisher Athletic again in May 2007.

Wayne joined Grays in September 2008 but left by mutual consent on 29 January 2009 and became assistant to John Still and Academy manager at Dagenham & Redbridge in June 2009.