November 27, (THEWILL) – Gary O’Neil has been named the next manager of Bournemouth after serving as the team’s interim manager since the top position became vacant.
The 39-year-old, who took command of 12 games this season after stepping up from his post as first-team coach, has signed an 18-month contract with the Cherries, with the option of extending for an additional year.
The club endured a spectacular 9-nil thrashing against Liverpool and lost three of their first four Premier League games. In the ensuing period, Scott Parker was fired and O’Neil was tasked with the responsibility to quickly right the ship.
O’Neil’s interim period was encouraging as the team went on a six-match unbeaten run, but it was followed by a downturn of four straight losses. But before the World Cup break, they won consecutive games against Everton in the EFL Cup and the Premier League. As a result, O’Neil has now been permanently signed to put rumours linking the team with Marcelo Bielsa to rest.
Neill Blake, club chief executive, said: “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.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
