Premier League club Bournemouth have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager.
This decision comes after the club parted ways with Gary O’Neil, despite his successful efforts in keeping them in the top flight.
Iraola has signed a two-year contract with the Cherries following the expiration of his deal with Rayo Vallecano.
The Spaniard’s arrival at Bournemouth is a coup for the club. He was previously a target for Leeds United.
Iraola recently concluded his three-season stint at Vallecano with an impressive 11th-place finish in La Liga.
He had helped them secure promotion to the top flight in his debut campaign. Many Spanish pundits and La Liga watchers regard the 40-year-old highly.
The news of Iraola’s appointment follows the announcement of O’Neil’s departure today.
O’Neil took charge as interim noss after the dismissal of Scott Parker last August.
He guided Bournemouth to a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, accumulating 36 points during his time in charge of the club.
Many people believed O’Neil was a strong contender for the Manager of the Year award, but he was relieved of his duties this morning.
Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley said Iraola’s ‘style of play’ was an important decision in making the managerial change.
He believes he is the right man to lead the club’s next chapter as they strive to establish themselves in the Premier League.
Iraola will commence his work with the Bournemouth squad and backroom staff at the start of pre-season in July.
He will assess his new team before a warm-weather training camp in Marbella.
