Bournemouth have announced the shock departure of manager Gary O’Neil despite the Cherries boss having guided the south coast side to safety last season.
O’Neil took charge on a temporary basis initially after Scott Parker was fired in the wake of a 9-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, and helped a side seemingly destined for relegation avoid the drop against all odds.
Despite losing their last four games of the season, the Cherries finished 15th, five points clear of the drop zone and just five points behind Chelsea.
However, that was deemed not good enough, and the man that many suggested should be considered for manager of the season will not be at the helm next season.
AFC Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley explained: “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.
“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.”
It is unclear just who the Cherries will appoint to take his place at this stage.
