Cherries announce shock decision to axe O'Neil

Bournemouth have announced their decision to part ways with manager Gary O'Neil.

O'Neil, 40, took charge of the Cherries initially on an interim basis following Scott Parker's departure last August, before being handed the role permanently in November.

He earned plenty of plaudits for keeping the South Coast club in the Premier League in 2022-23 despite being tipped for an immediate drop down to the Championship.

Owner and chairman Bill Foley said: "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."

The Cherries later announced the appointment of Basque coach Andoni Iraola as O'Neil's successor.