Newcastle United, Liverpool and Man United’s Premier League rivals announce shock departure

Bournemouth have made the surprise decision to sack Gary O’Neil ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough midfielder guided the Cherries to top-flight safety last season after replacing Scott Parker in August.

O’Neil, who still had 12 months remaining on his contract, was expected to be in charge for the upcoming campaign. However, the South Coast club has decided to make a change.

A club statement read: “We can today confirm we have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil.

“Gary leaves the club after overseeing 37 matches last season, initially on an interim basis before being formally appointed to his first head coaching role in November.

“A return of 10 wins and six draws in the Premier League was enough to maintain the club’s position in the top flight, effectively securing survival with four matches remaining following a memorable run of results in April.

“The appointment of a new head coach will be announced imminently.”

AFC Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley explained: “Gary’s achievement last season is one I will always be grateful for. 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 club, we have put plans in place for long-term success with improvements being made to infrastructure, most notably the development of a new state-of-the-art training facility and the ongoing discussions around upgrades to our stadium.

“We have also identified a number of significant targets in the transfer market this summer and believe this change in direction will provide us with the best platform from which to build.

“Gary will go on to have a long career as a head coach or manager, but we feel that, at this moment in time, a change is in the best interests of this football club. I would like to place on record my thanks to Gary and wish him all the best for the future.”

O’Neil faced Newcastle United three times last season, with both Premier League meetings ending in draws. The last 16 Carabao Cup tie ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Eddie Howe against his former club.