Bournemouth appoint ex-Rayo boss Iraola after O’Neil’s shock dismissal
Bournemouth appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach Monday following the shock sacking of Gary O’Neil.
Iraola led Rayo Vallecano to promotion from Spain’s second tier before securing an 11th-placed finish in La Liga last season. He reportedly turned down the Leeds United job in February.
Despite the 40-year-old’s strong credentials, many onlookers are still reeling from the departure of O’Neil as Cherries boss. His predecessor Scott Parker described Bournemouth as “ill-equipped” to compete in the Premier League before O’Neil guided them to safety with relative ease.
“Gary’s achievement last season is one I will always be grateful for,” Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley said in a statement
“This has been a difficult decision, but it has been made with great consideration to best position ourselves ahead of the coming season.