AFC Bournemouth appoint Gary O’Neil as new manager

• AFC Bournemouth have appointed Gary O’Neil as the club’s permanent manager after serving as interim boss for the better part of this season. 
• Gary O’Neil agreed to an 18-month contract with Bournemouth. The deal includes an option for another 12 months, which will depend on the team’s performance. 

AFC Bournemouth have appointed Gary O’Neil as the club’s permanent manager following the sacking of Scott Parker. 

The 39-year-old England international has reportedly agreed to an 18-month contract with the Cherries.

According to Sky Sports, the contract signed by Gary O’Neil and AFC Bournemouth has an option for a further twelve months. But for this to be effective, it will depend on the performance of the team under O’Neil.

AFC Bournemouth have appointed Gary O’Neil as new manager. Photo/ Bournemouth Echo.

Gary O’Neil has been AFC Bournemouth’s interim boss for the past twelve games after the club decided to part ways with Scott Parker. 

In those past twelve fixtures, the Dorset club has managed four wins, four draws, and suffered four losses. 

AFC Bournemouth have also scored twelve goals and kept three clean sheets during that period. With such an amazing run, Gary O’Neil increased his chances of being made the Cherries’ permanent boss.  

AFC Bournemouth had earlier held talks with former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, who is someone they respect a lot and admire. However, it was O’Neil who ended up securing the job. 

The fact that Bournemouth are 14th in the standings, defeated Everton to progress in the League Cup and also surprised Everton in their last Premier League fixture played a significant role in O’Neil’s appointment. 

AFC Bournemouth wanted Bill Foley to be involved in the process of appointing a new manager after the sacking of Scott Parker. And this is because he is likely to own the club in the near future.

According to Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake, O’Neil earned the managerial position after an impressive run as an interim boss since August.

Gary O’Neil giving instructions to AFC Bournemouth players during his time as interim boss. Photo/ TEAMtalk.

“Gary did an excellent job on an interim basis, and the board are delighted to make his position as head coach permanent. 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.” Part of Neill Blake’s statement after the appointment of Gary O’Neil. 

Neill Blake also said that Bournemouth fans love O’Neil, as seen during the club’s Premier League win over Everton. 

The chief executive acknowledged Gary’s efforts as he said the England international had worked tirelessly and diligently with players on the training pitch. 

AFC Bournemouth will be back in training on Monday morning after having a short break following their win over Everton at home. 

Before joining AFC Bournemouth in 2022, Scott Parker was a professional footballer who retired in 2019. The 39-year-old played for several teams, notably Portsmouth, West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Bolton Wanderers.