Managerial Position: Bournemouth Replaces Gary O’Neil With Andoni Iraola

Barely a few hours after AFC Bournemouth confirmed the sack of Gary O’Neil, the club moved to announce the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club’s new manager on a two-year deal.

O’Neil was dismissed from the club despite spearheading their safety from relegation, following Scott Parker’s departure.

Guiding them to a 15th-place finish courtesy of his 10 wins and six draws, Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley explained his sacking, saying: “Gary’s achievement last season is one I will always be grateful for. This has been a difficult decision, but it has been made with great consideration to best position ourselves ahead of the coming season.

“As a club, we have put plans in place for long-term success with improvements being made to infrastructure, most notably the development of a new state-of-the-art training facility and the ongoing discussions around upgrades to our stadium.

“We have also identified a number of significant targets in the transfer market this summer and believe this change in direction will provide us with the best platform from which to build.

“Gary will go on to have a long career as a head coach or manager, but we feel that, at this moment in time, a change is in the best interests of this football club. I would like to place on record my thanks to Gary and wish him all the best for the future.”

Replacing Gary will be former Rayo Vallecano manager — Andoni Iraola who spent three years at the Spanish club, and guiding them to an 11th-place finish in his last season.

An excited chairman Bill Foley said: “We’re so excited to welcome Andoni to the club. With his contract in Spain coming to an end this summer we wanted to act quickly.

“He was highly sought after by other clubs across the continent, and his style of play has been an important factor in making this decision. His achievements in Spain have certainly been very impressive, and we’re confident that he is the right man to lead our next chapter.

“We have identified a number of targets in the transfer market, which along with our January additions will supplement our strong playing squad to give Andoni the best chance to consolidate our Premier League status and keep progressing.”