Gary O’Neil has been appointed as permanent Head Coach at Bournemouth, following an interim spell in charge.
Since O’Neil took interim charge in late August following Scott Parker’s departure, Bournemouth have gone unbeaten in eight of 12 matches in all competitions with four wins, draws and defeats apiece – including a Third Round win over Everton in Carabao Cup.
O’Neill also helped the club claim 13 points from 11 Premier League matches so far under his watch, including a memorable second-half comeback victory at Nottingham Forest in early September.
The Cherries also have avoided slipping into the relegation zone under O’Neil’s watch which has led club bosses to hand the 39 year-old his first permanent managerial job, with O’Neil signing an initial one-and-a-half year contract until June 2024.
Bournemouth have also inserted a clause within the contract which would allow club and O’Neil the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months, until June 2025 depending upon performance and results.
Bournemouth’s Chief Executive, Neill Blake commented that O’Neil had delivered “an excellent job” to keep Bournemouth out of the relegation zone during his interim spell, whilst also helping the club advance to the Fourth Round of the Carabao Cup.
Blake therefore is “delighted” that O’Neil has agreed a permanent contract after previously serving as a coach for the club under Jonathan Woodgate then Scott Parker, of which Blake believes has ensured that O’Neil “has earned this opportunity to continue to take the team and the club forward.”
Reflecting on how the playing squad and fans had adapted to O’Neil’s management, Blake added: “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 will return to action on Wednesday 21 December as Gary O’Neil take his Cherries to St James’ Park for a reunion with ex-manager, Eddie Howe, as they face Newcastle United for a place in the Quarter-Finals of 2022-23 Carabao Cup.
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