Bournemouth have appointed Gary O'Neil as their new head coach.
O'Neil, 39, has signed an 18-month deal at the Dean Court after an 89-day spell as caretaker boss. Bournemouth, who are 14th in the Premier League, have the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months if he continues to impress on the south coast.
This is O'Neil's first permanent job in management. He joined the Cherries' coaching staff in February 2021 and became their interim boss in August following the departure of Scott Parker. The ex-midfielder has won four of his first 12 games in all competitions.
"Gary did an excellent job on an interim basis and the board are delighted to make his position as head coach permanent," Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told the club's website. "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.
"Gary has worked tirelessly and diligently on the training pitch and the players have responded by producing some excellent performances and results. It was evident from the reception he received from our supporters following the Premier League win against Everton that they have also appreciated his efforts and we are all looking forward to continuing our working relationship with him."
Bournemouth were in talks with former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, yet it's O'Neil who's got the nod. Fans and players are said to be pleased with the novice's work after big wins against Nottingham Forest and Leicester, as well as a draw at high-flying Newcastle.
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O'Neil was under pressure after losing four consecutive fixtures just before the World Cup, but he appears to have stopped the rot with big wins against Everton in both the Premier League and EFL Cup. Bournemouth are three points above the relegation zone.
Despite this, O'Neil still has a huge job on his hands. Bournemouth are among the favourites to be relegated this season after spending just £24million in the summer transfer window. In comparison, relegation rivals Forest spent more than £140m on fresh talent.
Bournemouth are also in the middle of a £120m takeover by Las Vegas-based businessman Bill Foley. It's hoped the deal will be confirmed by the Premier League in the next couple of weeks - and Foley might want to bring in his own manager.
O'Neil made a name for himself at Bournemouth's local rivals Portsmouth. He was part of the Pompey side that achieved promotion to the Premier League under Harry Redknapp in May 2003 and went on to make 192 appearances for the club.
O'Neil spent time on loan at Walsall and Cardiff during Portsmouth years and left Fratton Park to join Middlesbrough in August 2007. He stayed at the Riverside for three-and-a-half years - suffering relegation in May 2009 - before joining West Ham.
O'Neil also suffered relegation at Upton Park but helped the Hammers get back into the Premier League in May 2012. He went on to achieve more promotions at Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City before finishing his career with stints at Bristol City and Bolton.
