Bournemouth have announced the appointment of Gary O’Neil as their head coach on a permanent basis after a spell as caretaker. The 39-year-old has been given a contract to the end of next season with the option of a 12-month extension.
O’Neil had 12 matches in caretaker charge after the sacking of Scott Parker and started with a six-match unbeaten run. More recently Bournemouth have beaten Everton in the Premier League and Carabao Cup after four straight defeats.
The club are 14th in the table, three points above the relegation zone, and are in line to be taken over by the American businessman Bill Foley, whose £120m deal has yet to be ratified by the Premier League.
“Gary did an excellent job on an interim basis and the board are delighted to make his position as head coach permanent,” Bournemouth’s 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.”
Etherington named new Crawley manager
Crawley Town have appointed Matthew Etherington as their new manager on an initial 18-month contract. The former Tottenham midfielder leaves his role as Peterborough’s Under-23 head coach to take up the role and replace Kevin Betsy, who was sacked last month.
Etherington, who has brought Simon Davies in as his assistant, told the club website: “I am extremely excited. This is a great opportunity for us, and we are raring to go. The biggest thing for me is attacking and scoring goals. If you can get that right, along with a lot of other things, you have always got a chance.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the lads and getting started,” added the 41-year-old, who takes charge with the club 19th in League Two, four points above the relegation zone.
