Bournemouth has made a managerial change, appointing Andoni Iraola as their new head coach following the sacking of Gary O’Neil.
Iraola, a Spaniard who was previously sought after by Leeds, became available after ending his three-season tenure at LaLiga club Rayo Vallecano.
The 40-year-old former Spain and Athletic Bilbao defender has agreed to a two-year contract with Bournemouth.
Confirmation of his imminent arrival came just hours after O’Neil’s surprise dismissal, with Bournemouth expressing excitement about Iraola’s appointment.
Cherries chairman Bill Foley highlighted the manager’s sought-after status and praised his style of play.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club’s new head coach.
Welcome to #afcb, Andoni 🤝
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) June 19, 2023
Iraola began his managerial career with AEK Larnaca in 2018, then spent the 2019-20 season with Spanish second-division side Mirandes. He subsequently guided Vallecano to promotion to LaLiga in 2021, achieving mid-table finishes and a Copa del Rey semi-final run in 2022.
Iraola and his coaching staff will commence work with the Bournemouth squad next month, with their first competitive match in charge scheduled against West Ham on August 12th.
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Foley expressed confidence in Iraola’s abilities and mentioned ongoing transfer market targets to strengthen the squad. The chairman emphasized the aim of consolidating their Premier League status and continuing progress.
“We’re so excited to welcome Andoni to the club. With his contract in Spain coming to an end this summer, we wanted to act quickly. “He was highly sought after by other clubs across the continent, and his style of play has been an important factor in making this decision.”
“His achievements in Spain have certainly been very impressive, and we’re confident that he is the right man to lead our next chapter,” continued Foley.
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“We have identified a number of targets in the transfer market, which along with our January additions will supplement our strong playing squad to give Andoni the best chance to consolidate our Premier League status and keep progressing.”
O’Neil, the 40-year-old Englishman, was dismissed earlier on Monday, with Foley stating that the change would provide the best platform for the club’s future development. O’Neil took charge after Scott Parker’s sacking and led the team to top-flight safety last season.
Foley, an American businessman who took over the club in December, has ambitious plans, including a new training facility and discussions regarding upgrades to the Vitality Stadium.
While acknowledging O’Neil’s achievements, Foley indicated that a change was deemed necessary at this stage to benefit the football club’s interests. He expressed confidence in O’Neil’s future career as a head coach or manager and emphasized the need for the club to make the best decision for the upcoming season.
“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.”