Former Bristol City midfielder Gary O'Neil has taken temporary charge of Bournemouth following Scott Parker's sacking.
The Cherries confirmed on Tuesday morning that Parker had been relieved of his duties on the back of the 9-0 defeat against Liverpool to "continue progressing as a team."
O'Neil, 39, has taken interim charge at the Vitality Stadium while Bournemouth search for a new manager just four games into the Premier League campaign. The newly-promoted side beat Aston Villa on the opening day before a gruelling run of three defeats against Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
O'Neil 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. His first game in the dugout comes against Wolves on Wednesday evening at home before a trip to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Albeit early in the season, the statement on Parker's sacking suggests the decision also came down to differences between the board and manager over player recruitment. The former manager had been vocal about the need for investment to help bolster his squad in order to achieve Premier League survival.
It read: "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.”
The sacking of Parker may come as good news from a City perspective regarding the immediate future of Antoine Semeyo. Bournemouth have been keen admirers of the striker but any potential offer now before Thursday's transfer deadline remains unlikely.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
