New Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has built a solid reputation following a strong showing in LaLiga, but his decision to move into coaching stemmed from a stint as a player for New York City.
The 41-year-old departed Rayo Vallecano after a successful three years in Madrid, where he led the club to promotion to the Spanish top flight, before masterminding their first run to the semi finals of the Copa Del Rey for a first time in four decades. A perennial yo-yo outfit until the Basque coach's arrival, he was able to stabilise the club in mid-table with 12th and 11th place finishes in the league.
After performing with distinction in his first ever role as a coach in one of Europe's top five leagues, it was probably only a matter of time before Iraola was eventually poached from Rayo's grasps. In the end, Premier League club Bournemouth were able to secure the former Athletic Club star's services after his contract expired in the Spanish capital.
