After his recent success with Rayo Vallecano, leading them to an 11th place finish in La Liga last season, Andoni Iraola has been declared the new head coach of Bournemouth. This announcement comes on the heels of the dismissal of Gary O’Neil earlier this Monday.
The 40-year-old Spaniard, Iraola, has committed to a two-year stint with the Cherries, a move facilitated by the conclusion of his contract with La Liga team, Rayo Vallecano.
Gary O’Neil’s departure comes merely seven months after his appointment as the club’s permanent boss, during which he ensured the club’s survival in the Premier League.
Club chairman Bill Foley warmly welcomed Iraola, stating, “We’re thrilled to have Andoni join the club.”
Iraola’s tenure at Rayo Vallecano, spanning three years, saw him guide the team to a respectable spot in Spain’s top flight last season. His inaugural season in charge witnessed Rayo Vallecano’s ascension from the Segunda Division, followed by an impressive run to the Copa Del Rey semi-finals in the 2021-22 season.
“With Andoni’s contract in Spain ending this summer, we wanted to act swiftly,” Foley added. “He was a coveted target for many clubs across Europe, and his unique play style was instrumental in our decision. His track record in Spain speaks volumes, and we believe he is the perfect candidate to spearhead our next phase.”
Iraola’s management career commenced in 2018 in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca. After a year, he returned to Spain to manage Mirandes for a season. As a player, the former right-back clocked in over 500 games for Athletic Bilbao, earned seven international caps for Spain, and had a stint with New York City in Major League Soccer.
Iraola is set to unite with the Bournemouth team in July, in time for the pre-season.
Also the owner of Bournemouth, Foley mentioned, “We have earmarked several prospects in the transfer market, which, coupled with our new arrivals in January, will bolster our formidable squad. We aim to provide Andoni with all the resources to secure our Premier League standing and maintain our upward trajectory.”
Stay updated with the latest Bournemouth news, in-depth analysis, and fan opinions. Never miss an update with our Cherries news notifications. We’re bringing you the most comprehensive Bournemouth coverage, so here’s all you need to know to stay in the loop. Find everything Cherries – navigate directly to all our top content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Andoni Iraola Bournemouth Appointment
Who has been appointed as the new head coach of Bournemouth?
Andoni Iraola has been announced as the new head coach of Bournemouth.
How long is Andoni Iraola’s contract with Bournemouth?
Andoni Iraola has signed a two-year deal with Bournemouth.
Who did Andoni Iraola replace as head coach of Bournemouth?
Andoni Iraola replaced Gary O’Neil, who was sacked as head coach of Bournemouth.
Where did Andoni Iraola coach before joining Bournemouth?
Before joining Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola was the head coach of Rayo Vallecano, a La Liga side based in Spain.
What were some of Andoni Iraola’s achievements with Rayo Vallecano?
Andoni Iraola led Rayo Vallecano to an 11th place finish in La Liga in his last season with the club. In his first season in charge, he secured their promotion from the Segunda Division and also guided them to the Copa Del Rey semi-finals in the 2021-22 season.
When will Andoni Iraola begin his duties as head coach with Bournemouth?
Andoni Iraola will join the Bournemouth squad at the start of the pre-season in July.
Who is Bournemouth’s club chairman?
The club chairman of Bournemouth is Bill Foley. He is also the owner of the club.
More about Andoni Iraola Bournemouth Appointment
- Bournemouth FC Official Announcement
- Andoni Iraola’s Managerial Career
- Premier League Coaching Changes
- Rayo Vallecano Club Performance
4 comments
Gary o’neil…gone so soon? well, guess results matter. hope Iraola can turn things around. btw who’s on the transfer list?
Iraola was solid with Rayo, will miss him in La Liga. Good luck Andoni and keep making Spain proud!
Andoni Iraola?? man, that’s a name I didn’t hear in a while. Remember him from his Bilbao days, solid player. curious to see how he does in the premier league.
wasn’t expecting Bournemouth to pull off such a coup. Impressive…Iraola could really get them moving up. Bill Foley playing a blinder!