Bournemouth SACK manager Gary O’Neil in shock decision just weeks after leading them on a miraculous run to Premier League safety to give himself a ‘better platform to build on’
Bournemouth have sacked manager Gary O’Neil in a shock decision despite the rookie boss guiding them to safety in the Premier League.
In a statement released this afternoon, the club confirmed that O’Neil – who initially took charge as caretaker before being given the job permanently – has left – with an announcement about his replacement to be made in due course.
O’Neil succeeded Scott Parker in the Vitality Stadium dugout in August after being part of his backroom team, and successfully kept the Cherries in the top flight despite being heavy favorites to fall back into the championship .
The 40-year-old was signed to an 18-month contract in November and received the full backing of new owner Bill Foley, who gave him heavy backing in January.
O’Neil, who was notified of his dismissal this morning, picked up 36 points during his spell with the south coast to guide Bournemouth to 15th.
A statement from the club said: “We can confirm today that we have parted ways with head coach Gary O’Neil.
Gary is leaving the club after officiating 37 games last season, initially on an interim basis before being formally appointed to his first role as head coach in November.
“A return of 10 wins and six draws in the Premier League was enough to maintain the club’s position in the top flight, effectively ensuring survival with four games to go after a memorable run of results in April.”
Owner Foley, whose consortium completed a takeover of Russian businessman Maxim Demin last year, added: “Gary’s performance last season is one I will always be grateful for. This has been a difficult decision, but we have thought carefully about positioning ourselves as best we can for the upcoming season.
“As a club, we have plans for long-term success with infrastructure improvements, particularly the development of a new state-of-the-art training facility and ongoing discussions about upgrading our stadium.
“We have also identified some key targets in the transfer market this summer and believe this change of course will provide us with the best platform to build on.
“Gary will have a long career as a head coach or manager, but we believe there is a change in the interests of this football club at the moment. I would like to thank Gary and wish him all the best for the future.’
It is clear that the surprising decision has been made in light of Foley’s lofty ambitions to lead the club at the top of the Premier League.
It is believed that O’Neil was focused on next season before his axing and Bournemouth being active in the market, having held talks over various targets.
A new manager may even be revealed later today.
More to follow.