Bournemouth Appoints Andoni Iraola as New Manager
Bournemouth Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new manager. The Cherries sacked former manager Gary O’Neil on Monday, despite him guiding the Premier League club away from relegation and securing a 15th place finish.
Iraola, a Spanish boss, was recently a free agent after leaving Rayo Vallecano and was on Leeds’ list of contenders after Jesse Marsch was axed. Bournemouth reportedly wanted Iraola last Autumn but could not lure him from Rayo Vallecano during the season.
“We’re so excited to welcome Andoni to the club,” AFC Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley said. “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.”
Foley made the decision to sack O’Neil as he wants to go in a new direction and implement a new style of football. Foley is ambitious to progress quickly and sees Iraola as a manager with a clear identity that suits the club, the current squad, and summer targets.
Iraola does not have previous Premier League experience, having managed AEK Larnaca, Mirandes, and Rayo Vallecano. The 40-year-old left Rayo Vallecano at the end of this season after turning down a renewal offer.
Bournemouth’s Backroom Staff Remains in Place
At the moment, O’Neil’s backroom staff will remain in place at the Vitality Stadium. The former Middlesbrough star had triggered an extra year on his contract after keeping them up and turning their season around following a rocky start under Scott Parker.
Bournemouth’s Future Plans
Bournemouth’s owner, Foley, has identified a number of targets in the transfer market, which, along with their January additions, will supplement their strong playing squad to give Iraola the best chance to consolidate their Premier League status and keep progressing.
Bournemouth’s fans will be hoping that Iraola can build on the success of O’Neil and take the club to new heights. With his impressive track record in Spain, Iraola has the potential to lead Bournemouth to greater success.
Conclusion
Bournemouth Football Club has appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager. The Spanish boss was recently a free agent after leaving Rayo Vallecano and was on Leeds’ list of contenders after Jesse Marsch was axed. Bournemouth reportedly wanted Iraola last Autumn but could not lure him from Rayo Vallecano during the season.
Bournemouth’s owner, Foley, made the decision to sack O’Neil as he wants to go in a new direction and implement a new style of football. Foley is ambitious to progress quickly and sees Iraola as a manager with a clear identity that suits the club, the current squad, and summer targets.
At the moment, O’Neil’s backroom staff will remain in place at the Vitality Stadium. The former Middlesbrough star had triggered an extra year on his contract after keeping them up and turning their season around following a rocky start under Scott Parker.
Bournemouth’s fans will be hoping that Iraola can build on the success of O’Neil and take the club to new heights. With his impressive track record in Spain, Iraola has the potential to lead Bournemouth to greater success.