Bournemouth have announced the shock sacking of head coach Gary O’Neil, just weeks after he kept the club in the Premier League against the odds.
A club statement on Monday read: “We can today confirm we have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil.
“Gary leaves the club after overseeing 37 matches last season, initially on an interim basis before being formally appointed to his first head coaching role in November.
READ ALSO: Leicester City And Leeds United Relegated As Everton Stays In Premier League
“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 securing survival with four matches remaining following a memorable run of results in April.”
It’s understood that Bournemouth have already lined up a replacement, who they say will be announced “imminently”.
Bournemouth’s owner Bill Foley, who took control of the club during the 2022-23 campaign after completing a takeover, labelled the sacking “a difficult decision” but one that is made with “great consideration” for the new season.
“Gary’s achievement last season is one I will always be grateful for,” said Foley. “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.
READ ALSO: The Glazer Family Won’t Sell Manchester United – Thomas Zilliacus Predicts
“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.”
Photo Credit: Getty
