Former Bristol City midfielder Gary O'Neil is set to be rewarded with the full-time role at Bournemouth following a successful interim spell.
The 39-year-old has spent the last 12 games in charge of the Cherries following the sacking of Scott Parker in August. Bournemouth have won four, drawn four and lost four under his management with his side currently 14th in the Premier League.
The top flight newbies had held talks with former Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa but it appears as though the two parties failed to find an agreement. The Telegraph report that O'Neil will have significant funds to spend in January with American businessman Bill Foley progressing with his takeover bid.
O'Neil, who was linked with the former vacant Hull position, will be tasked with keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League. Before the international break, his side eased to a 3-0 victory over Everton while also beating the Toffees 4-1 in the EFL Cup.
He spent two years at City after joining the club in the summer of 2016 towards the end of his career. O'Neil went on to make 29 league appearances in his debut campaign but fell out of favour in the second season with just six games under his belt.
He then spent one more year with fellow Championship side Bolton before hanging up his boots and moving into coaching. His first role came as assistant to Liverpool Under-23's manager Barry Lewtas and then later joined Bournemouth as first team coach to Jonathan Woodgate in February 2021.
O'Neil then remained at Bournemouth upon Parker's appointment and helped guide the club to the Premier League last season before the latter's sacking just four games into the season.
Former City manager Dean Holden publically backed O'Neil to take the job full-time because his managerial skills were evident during their time together in BS3. The duo worked alongside each other until 2018 when the midfielder was released from the club.
Holden wrote online: "Really hope Gary O'Neil gets the opportunity on a full time basis at Bournemouth. Getting to know him at Bristol City, you could see he had what it takes to become a top manager."
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