Bournemouth sack Gary O’Neil after 37 games despite Premier League survival

Gary O’Neil took over as caretaker manager in August and was given an 18-month deal in November; he guided Bournemouth to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season; club say a new manager will be announced shortly

O’Neil took over as interim head coach following the sacking of Scott Parker in August and was given an 18-month deal in November.

He picked up 36 points during his time in charge and guided the club to a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, with many believing he was a Manager of the Year candidate.

Explaining the decision, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley said “we have identified a number of significant targets in the transfer market” and “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.”

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

Foley also added “a new head coach will be announced shortly