Cherries appoint Iraola as O'Neil's successor

Bournemouth have appointed former Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola as Gary O'Neil's successor.

The Cherries took the shock decision to sack O'Neil earlier today, despite the English coach having guided them to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, during his seven-month tenure at the helm.

Iraola, 40, ended his three-year stay at Rayo after leading the Madrid-based outfit to 11th in LaLiga and has now signed a two-year contract at the Vitality Stadium.

Chairman and owner 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."

Iraola enjoyed a successful tenure with Los Franjirrojos, guiding them to promotion in 2020-21 before reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals the following season.

The former Athletic Bilbao right-back has also enjoyed spells in charge of Spanish second-tier side Mirandes and Cypriot outfit AEK Larnaca.

Iraola's first Bournemouth game will be a pre-season friendly against Hibernian in Mallorca on July 13, before he makes his Premier League bow when the Cherries face West Ham on August 12.