Bournemouth boss Scott Parker has been sacked just four games into the new Premier League season, following Saturday’s 9-0 hammering by Liverpool.
In a statement announcing the shock news, Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin thanked Parker but said it was “unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably” and added “we must also show belief in and respect for one another”.
It comes after Parker has used the aftermath of his side’s Anfield humiliation to send a message to the club hierarchy, claiming his squad was “ill-equipped at this level” and warning of more poor results unless reinforcements arrived in the final days of the transfer window.
Parker took over at Bournemouth in the summer of 2021, after being relegated to the Championship with Fulham. The ex-England international led the Cherries into the top-flight at the first time of asking, securing automatic promotion by finishing behind his former side.
The South Coast club began the campaign with an encouraging home win over Aston Villa, but have since lost to Arsenal, Manchester City and then Liverpool in a devilishly tricky start.
“It goes without saying it is a really humbling experience. I am pretty shell-shocked,” Parker said after the latter result.
“I am not that surprised given the level here is far greater than we have. I can see some more [routs]. We need to make a decision. I have been clear how this season could look for us and I stick by that.
“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].”
Bournemouth are to begin the search for a new manager immediately, with first team coach Gary O’Neil to take interim charge.
“I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us,” Denim said. “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.”
