Dean Holden believes Gary O'Neil has all the characteristics to take the Bournemouth job on a full-time basis following the duo's time at Bristol City.
O'Neil was appointed interim manager of the Cherries following Scott Parker's sacking last week and steadied the ship following a 9-0 drubbing against Liverpool with a 0-0 draw with Wolves in his first match. He then followed that up with an impressive 3-2 comeback victory over Nottingham Forest.
The former Robins midfielder is now second favourite to be offered the permanent position behind ex-City defender Sean Dyche while Luton's Nathan Jones is also firmly in the running, according to the bookies' odds.
Holden believes O'Neil would be suited to the position because he saw all the qualities needed to become a top manager while playing for City towards the tail end of his career.
O'Neil arrived at Ashton Gate in the summer of 2016 on a two-year contract, five months before Holden was appointed assistant manager to Lee Johnson in BS3. The duo worked alongside each other until 2018 when O'Neil was released from the club.
Taking to Twitter to show his support, Holden wrote: "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."
O'Neil went on to make 29 league appearances in his debut campaign at City but injuries restricted him to just six games in his second season. 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.
Holden is also looking for work after being relieved of his duties at Stoke earlier in the season. Previously assistant to Michel O'Neill, he spent one game in interim charge at the Potters ensuring a 1-0 victory over Blackburn before Alex Neil's appointment deemed him surplus to requirements.
He has been linked with jobs this summer including the position at Blackpool and Walsall. Holden spent four years on the coaching staff at Ashton Gate under Lee Johnson's management before emerging as a surprise contender for the head coach role after the latter's sacking.
Holden made a flying start to life as City boss winning his first four matches but was axed following his 41st game in charge following a run of six consecutive defeats.
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