Scott Parker was sacked by Bournemouth after a bitter war of words with the club’s hierarchy.
Parker, 41, openly questioned the direction and commitment of Bournemouth after they suffered a humiliating 9-0 away defeat at Liverpool - and he was axed just three days later.
Bournemouth’s Russian-born owner Maxim Demin issued a strongly worded statement in sacking Parker and his dismissal was down to the ex-England midfielder’s comments rather than the Liverpool defeat. Bournemouth have spent just £22m in the transfer market, Parker has insisted they needed more reinforcements and yet the club’s hierarchy have been reluctant to spend big.
There was a very clear fall-out in the wake of the Anfield battering with Parker unable to conceal his frustrations about the lack of activity. Parker had been growing increasingly concerned about the club’s chances of survival because of a lack of new signings and let rip after Liverpool.
Parker said: “I have been clear how this season could look for us and I stick by that. We need to make a decision and try and help this young group who at times are struggling for air. Every one of us needs to make that decision. We have been trying to get more quality in and there are a million reasons why it hasn’t happened.”
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Demin hit back: “I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us.
“Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history.
"However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and a club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably. We must also show belief in and respect for one another.
"That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”
Parker guided Bournemouth to promotion from the Championship last season, got just four games back in the Premier League - including an opening day win over Aston Villa - and now Gary O’Neil will take interim charge for their game with Wolves on Wednesday night.
Parker is the first Premier League manager to go this season and is the first boss in England's top flight to be given his marching orders in August since Sir Bobby Robson and Paul Sturrock in 2004.
Ex-Cherries boss Harry Redknapp believes it was Parker’s comments about the lack of summer spending which ultimately led to his exit.
“I must be honest, when Scott came out and was talking about needing some help from the board I thought maybe that isn’t a good situation to get in,” he told Sky Sports News. “The owner, Max, has put a lot of money into the club, he has been a great backer of the club since he first arrived there.
“I would think that is probably what was the downfall for Scott was criticising the transfer policy. Whereas Notts Forest have gone up and spent an awful lot of money with an approach they are going to really give it a go to stay up, Bournemouth have been more conservative and haven’t spent the money but I’m sure Max and the people that own the club don’t want to get themselves in trouble.”
Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche has been made bookies’ favourite while Jonathan Woodgate is also in the odds, having had a short spell in charge at the club in 2021.
