Bournemouth cut ties with Gary O’Neil | OneFootball

Manager Gary O’Neil departed the Vitality Stadium on Monday despite his efforts in guiding Bournemouth to secure a second consecutive Premier League season.

In an official statement released by the club, they thanked the 40-year-old for his achievements, confirming they’ll soon announce the appointment of a new manager.

“We can today confirm we have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil.,” the statement read.

“The appointment of a new head coach will be announced imminently.”

Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley offered his gratitude to O’Neil, who replaced underperforming Scott Parker as a caretaker boss in August 2022 before earning a permanent deal in November.

“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.

“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.”

O’Neil had a virtually impossible task at hand after succeeding Parker at the helm, inheriting a team in complete disarray, morally crippled by three overwhelming defeats, including a 9-0 thumping at Liverpool.

However, he steadied the ship by leading the Cherries to a six-game unbeaten Premier League run at the start of his interim tenure, helping them escape from the red zone before the World Cup break.

During his managerial stint at the Vitality, he amassed ten wins and six draws in England’s top flight, handing Bournemouth a top-tier survival with four games to spare.

As such, the club’s decision to part with him is mind-boggling, especially given the lack of reliable managerial options, not to mention the Cherries’ limited capacity to land household names.