Gary O’Neil’s stint as the permanent manager of Bournemouth, which started in November 2022, ended abruptly as the club let him go less than seven months into his one-and-a-half-year contract, which included the possibility of a 12-month extension.
Bournemouth showed O’Neil the exit door despite him assuming the position as the club’s permanent head only recently. The 40-year-old had stepped in as the interim manager following the dismissal of Scott Parker in August, before being offered the role on a permanent basis in November.
With a 10 out of 34 wins in Premier League games last season under his belt, O’Neil led Bournemouth to secure a 15th-place finish.
Bournemouth owner, Bill Foley, described the decision to let go of O’Neil as a “difficult” one, made with considerable thought to set the club on a positive trajectory for the upcoming season. While confident about O’Neil’s prospects for a successful career in management, Foley stated that a shift was necessary for the club’s best interests at this time.
The club has signaled that O’Neil’s replacement will be announced very soon.
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O’Neil assumed command at the Vitality Stadium after a 9-0 thrashing by Liverpool resulted in Parker’s dismissal, marking one of the biggest defeats in Premier League history. Despite the club’s third consecutive loss, O’Neil had an unbeaten run in his first six matches as the manager.
In his role as interim manager, he amassed 13 points from 11 Premier League games and solidified his role as the permanent manager during the Premier League’s mid-season break for the World Cup, signing a one-and-a-half year contract with an optional 12-month extension.
This was prior to the takeover of Bournemouth by a consortium led by American entrepreneur Foley in December. For O’Neil, this was his first shot at management following his assistant coaching stints with Liverpool Under-23s and Bournemouth since February 2021 when the club was in the Championship.
Post the World Cup break, O’Neil’s Bournemouth could manage only seven victories and suffered 14 losses in the following 23 Premier League games. Among their notable victories were a 1-0 triumph against Liverpool in March and a 3-2 away victory against Tottenham in April.
Foley indicated that Bournemouth has set sights on “a number of significant targets in the transfer market,” believing O’Neil’s departure will give the club “the best platform to build.”
Former Bournemouth player and manager, John Williams, expressed his shock to BBC Radio Solent about the decision, stating that he felt Bournemouth were progressing well and preparing for the upcoming pre-season. Williams speculates the club likely has a successor in mind.
Undoubtedly, Gary O’Neill may feel unfairly treated, but as Williams pointed out, it is unlikely he will be jobless for long.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gary O’Neil dismissal
Who was dismissed as the Head Coach of Bournemouth?
Gary O’Neil was dismissed as the Head Coach of Bournemouth.
How long was Gary O’Neil the Head Coach at Bournemouth?
Gary O’Neil was the Head Coach at Bournemouth for less than seven months.
When did Gary O’Neil become the permanent manager of Bournemouth?
Gary O’Neil became the permanent manager of Bournemouth in November 2022.
What was the performance of Bournemouth under Gary O’Neil’s management in the last season?
Under Gary O’Neil’s management, Bournemouth won 10 out of 34 Premier League games and secured a 15th-place finish.
What were the significant victories of Bournemouth under Gary O’Neil’s management?
Two of the significant victories of Bournemouth under Gary O’Neil’s management were a 1-0 triumph against Liverpool in March and a 3-2 away victory against Tottenham in April.
What are Bournemouth’s plans after Gary O’Neil’s dismissal?
Bournemouth plans to announce O’Neil’s successor imminently and have set sights on a number of significant targets in the transfer market.
Who expressed shock at Gary O’Neil’s dismissal?
Former Bournemouth player and manager, John Williams, expressed his shock at Gary O’Neil’s dismissal.
More about Gary O’Neil dismissal
- Bournemouth’s Official Announcement
- Gary O’Neil’s Career Statistics
- Premier League Table and Results
- Bournemouth’s Season Review
- Insights on Bournemouth’s Future Plans
7 comments
O’Neil wasnt bad, but maybe we need a bigger name to attract more talent. Still shocked tho.
harsh decision but football’s a tough game. oniel won’t stay unemployed for long.
surprise move. guess bournemouth are aiming high next season. will be interesting to watch.
I’m actually gutted. Really thought O’Neil was bringing something good to the table. Guess we’ll see what happens.
feel sorry 4 O’Neil. Bournemouth should’ve given him more time. Anyway, let’s see who’s next in line.
can’t belive they let him go! barely given a chance… anyway, looking fwd to see who’s up next.
Honestly didn’t see this coming. Hope they know what their doing! Gary deserved better.