Bournemouth: Cherries appoint Spanish coach Andoni Iraola as new manager after sacking Gary O’Neil

Bournemouth: Cherries appoint Spanish coach Andoni Iraola as new manager after sacking Gary O’Neil

Bournemouth have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach after sacking Gary O’Neil.

Spaniard Iraola, who was previously wanted by Leeds, was available having recently ended a three-season spell in charge of La Liga saide Rayo Vallecano.

Iraola oversaw an 11th-place finish at the Madrid-based club last season, earning promotion to the top tier in his first campaign in charge in 2021.

Cherries chairman Bill Foley said: “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.

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“We have identified several 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.”

As a player, former right-back Iraola made more than 500 appearances for Athletic Bilbao and won seven international caps for Spain. He also played for New York City in in Major League Soccer.

Iraola will join up with the Bournemouth squad at the start of pre-season in July.

Foley, also Bournemouth’s owner, added: “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.”