Bournemouth Appoint Andoni Iraola As Manager

Bournemouth have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager on a two-year contract.

Confirmation of Iraola’s appointment comes just hours after the club announced Gary O’Neil’s sacking as manager, which stunned the football world after he managed to keep the Cherries up last season.

Iraola has spent the last three seasons in La Liga as manager of Rayo Vallecano and led the Red Sashes to a 11th-placed La Liga finish last season, which marked his final season at the club on his three-year contract with the Spaniard having opted not to extend his stay at the club.

“We’re so excited to welcome Andoni to the club,” commented Bournemouth owner and Chairman, Bill Foley who admitted that he was eager “to act quickly” with Iorala in demand by various clubs across Europe.

Foley proceeded to praise Iraola for his high pressing style of play which he admitted was “an important factor in making this decision.”

Iraola’s impressive record with Rayo Vallecano saw him guide them to promotion from Segunda Division to La Liga in his first season at the club, before they went on to finish 12th during 2021-22 La Liga season with 42 points before improving one position and seven points last season to 11th.

Foley paid compliment to Iraola’s impact at Vallecano whilst hoping for similar progression with Bournemouth as he added: “His achievements in Spain have certainly been very impressive, and we’re confident that he is the right man to lead our next chapter.”

With the summer transfer window now open, Foley also addressed the club’s plans as he concluded: “We have identified a number of targets in the transfer market, which along with our January additions will supplement our strong playing squad to give Andoni the best chance to consolidate our Premier League status and keep progressing.”

Iraola will take charge of Bournemouth in early July when the players return for pre-season with his first competitive fixture taking place on Saturday 12 August, as the Cherries host West Ham at home in their opening game of 2023-24 Premier League season.