Bournemouth appoint ex-Rayo boss Iraola after O'Neil's shock dismissal

Bournemouth appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach Monday following the shock sacking of Gary O'Neil.

Iraola led Rayo Vallecano to promotion from Spain's second tier before securing an 11th-placed finish in La Liga last season. He reportedly turned down the Leeds United job in February.

Despite the 40-year-old's strong credentials, many onlookers are still reeling from the departure of O'Neil as Cherries boss. His predecessor Scott Parker described Bournemouth as "ill-equipped" to compete in the Premier League before O'Neil guided them to safety with relative ease.

"Gary's achievement last season is one I will always be grateful for," Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley said in a statement

"This has been a difficult decision, but it has been made with great consideration to best position ourselves ahead of the coming season."

As a player, Iraola progressed through the Athletic Bilbao academy before representing the first team for 12 years and earning seven Spain caps. He retired following an 18-month swansong with New York City FC.

Iraola started his managerial career with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus, where he guided the club to the Europa League group stage, before overseeing Spanish second-tier side Mirandes' run to the 2019-20 Copa del Rey semifinals. He also took Rayo Vallecano into the Copa del Rey's final four during the 2021-22 campaign.

"We're so excited to welcome Andoni to the club," Foley said. "With his contract in Spain coming to an end this summer we wanted to act quickly.

"He was highly sought-after by other clubs across the continent, and his style of play has been an important factor in making this decision. His achievements in Spain have certainly been very impressive, and we're confident that he is the right man to lead our next chapter."