After firing Gary O'Neil, Bournemouth named Andoni Iraola as their new head coach.
Iraola, a Spanish manager who had previously been sought after by Leeds, was available after just finishing a three-season stint in charge of LaLiga team Rayo Vallecano.
The former Spanish and Athletic Bilbao defender, 40, and Vitality Stadium have come to terms on a two-year deal.
Just hours after issuing a statement announcing O'Neil's unexpected termination, Bournemouth announced his impending debut in the Premier League.
Bill Foley, the chairman of the Cherries, said: "We're thrilled to welcome Andoni to the team. This summer, his contract in Spain will expire, so we needed to move immediately.Other clubs on the continent were vying for his services, and his playing style was a major consideration.
Iraola, who turns 41 on Thursday, started his managing career in 2018 with the Cypriot club AEK Larnaca and will play for the Spanish second division team Mirandes in 20192020.
He subsequently led Vallecano to LaLiga promotion in 2021, followed by two mid-table finishes, a run to the Copa del Rey semifinals in 2022, and an interest from Leeds earlier this year.
The team at Bournemouth will start working with Iraola and his coaching staff the following month, and his first competitive game as manager will take place on Saturday, August 12, at home against West Ham.
His accomplishments in Spain have undoubtedly been noteworthy, and Foley stated, "We are sure that he is the perfect individual to guide our next chapter.
To offer Andoni the best chance to maintain our Premier League status and advance, we have identified a number of transfer market targets that, along with our January signings, will complement our excellent playing roster.
Earlier on Monday afternoon, the Cherries fired O'Neil, citing a need for a change as the "best platform from which to build" for the team.
The 40-year-old Englishman, who took 36 points from 34 games after replacing the fired Scott Parker in late August following a 9-0 thumping at Liverpool, led the Cherries to top-flight safety last season.
Prior to the position being permanently changed in November, he was first assigned to his first managerial position on an interim basis.
blogpay
.
Total Comments: 0