Bournemouth have sacked manager Gary O’Neil after just 37 games despite the head coach helping the Cherries avoid Premier League relegation.
O’Neil took charge as interim boss after the struggling side sacked Scott Parker back in August.
But he turned things around in remarkable fashion, and was given an 18-month deal in November, his first head coaching role.
O’Neil guided Bournemouth to a 15th-place finish after a stunning run in April saw them virtually safe with four games in hand.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Messi’s men sink Socceroos again | 02:35
MORE NEWS
Man City could lose THREE stars in transfer shock, Blues set for another epic spree: Rumour Mill
Ange’s first signing in $48m ‘bargain’ … and stumbling block for other key Spurs targets
Star’s sad exit after goalless flop; Relegated beast finds new home: PL Done Deals
His sacking comes as a stunning surprise, with Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley saying it was a “difficult decision”.
In a statement, he 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 appointment of a new head coach will be announced imminently.”
MORE NEWS
Simon shock inclusion as Matildas name provisional 29-player squad for World Cup
Arnie’s World Cup warning as next gen unleashed; where Socceroos ‘need to be better’ — Talking Pts
