Scott Parker has been sacked for the second time this season, little over six months after he was dismissed as AFC Bournemouth manager following their 9-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool.
The former England international, who was infamously once handed the Three Lions captain’s armband at the expense of Reds legend Steven Gerrard, was surprisingly appointed head coach at Club Brugge in late-December.
However, the Belgian side have sacked the 42-year-old after just 12 games following their 5-1 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Brugge, who can call upon former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in their playing ranks, impressed in the group-stages to reach the round-of-16, only to suffer a heavy 7-1 aggregate loss with Parker at the helm.
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"Scott Parker is no longer head coach of Club Brugge,” a ruthless 298-word club statement confirming the news read. "Parker (42) was announced as the new head coach of Club Brugge on December 31 last year.
“The English ex-international previously worked for Fulham and Bournemouth and replaced Carl Hoefkens at Club. In 12 games, the Briton could only win two times.”
Parker would lead AFC Bournemouth, aided by Reds defender Nat Phillips who joined on loan in January 2022, to promotion back to the Premier League last year, finishing as runners-up to former club Fulham.
However, he was sacked just four games into the season after a Premier League record-equalling 9-0 loss away at Liverpool. After the game, he would hit out at Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin for a lack of summer investment in his playing squad, which ultimately led to him being axed by the Cherries.
“I have been clear how this season could look for us and I stick by that,” Parker said at Anfield. “We need to make a decision and try and help this young group who at times are struggling for air.
“Every one of us needs to make that decision. We have been trying to get more quality in and there are a million reasons why it hasn’t happened.”
Demin hit back: “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.”
Parker’s dismissal at Bournemouth led to former Liverpool coach Gary O’Neil being appointed as his successor.
The Mirror report Parker would have been relieved of his duties this morning under normal circumstances, but due to a strike from French air traffic control his side were held on the runway upon their return from Portugal and instead he was informed by Club Brugge bosses in the afternoon of his dismissal.
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