Bournemouth have confirmed that Gary O’Neil will remain in permanent charge of the Cherries after a successful stint in caretaker charge, despite rumours of an attempted move for Marcelo Bielsa.
O’Neil took over when Scott Parker parted ways with the South Coast side just four games into the season, three days after a 9-0 defeat to Liverpool in which the former Fulham midfielder seemed to question the desire of the club’s owners to succeed.
And, since taking charge, O’Neil has helped propel the Cherries up the Premier League. Though they have lost four of their previous five games, they sit 14th, three points above the relegation zone and second of the three newly-promoted sides.
He was also nominated for Manager of the Month in September, and it means that despite the consistent links with former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, it is the former Fulham midfielder who has landed the job on a permanent basis after impressing the club hierarchy.
#afcb are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary O’Neil as head coach 📝
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) November 27, 2022
“Gary did an excellent job on an interim basis and the board are delighted to make his position as head coach permanent” Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said.
“We have been impressed with the way he has conducted himself from the moment he joined the club and feel he has earned this opportunity to continue to take the team and the club forward,”
“It was evident from the reception he received from our supporters following the Premier League win against Everton that they have also appreciated his efforts and we are all looking forward to continuing our working relationship with him.”
O’Neil has penned an 18 month deal at the Vitality stadium.
