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Following the surprising resignation of Gary O’Neill, Nottingham Forest’s Premier League opponents Bournemouth have revealed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club’s new head coach.
Bournemouth confirmed O’Neill’s departure on Monday afternoon, despite the manager comfortably preserving the club from relegation at the end of the season. Following his appointment as temporary manager, O’Neill formally replaced Scott Parker in the hot seat in November, guiding the club to safety.
Despite this, The Cherries’ chairman Bill Foley confirmed the manager’s resignation, claiming the “change in direction will provide us with the best platform from which to build.” Bournemouth announced the appointment of Iraola as the club’s next head coach shortly after O’Neill’s dismissal was confirmed. Following the expiration of his contract with Rayo Vallecano, the 40-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Vitality Stadium.
The appointment by Bournemouth will bring to an end speculation over the manager being eyed by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis for both Forest and Olympiacos. While there was no indication that Steve Cooper would be replaced this summer, reports in Spain continued to link the manager with a move to the City Ground.
He was reportedly linked with a move to Leeds United following the resignation of Jesse Marsch earlier this season. The Whites are still looking for a new manager after it was confirmed that Interim Manager Sam Allardyce will not be returning for the new season.
Bournemouth concluded the 2022/23 season in 15th place, one rank and one point ahead of Forest. After finishing in the top division at the end of the 2021/22 season, the two could be competing in similar areas of the league in the coming season.