AFC Bournemouth have announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club’s new head coach on a two-year deal, in what has been a whirlwind of a day for Cherries supporters.
It was only a couple of hours ago that AFC Bournemouth announced the departure of Gary O’Neil as AFC Bournemouth head coach, the usual scenario that follows at Dean Court would be someone amongst the backroom staff is handed the position on a short-term basis, then there would be weeks and weeks of speculation and a reported vast managerial search to eventually, a couple of months later, appoint the temporary head coach on a permanent basis.
But that is not the case under the stewardship of American owner Bill Foley, who has announced the departure of one head coach and announced the appointment of their replacement in the same afternoon.
Andoni Iraola is 40 years old and makes the move to England after a career almost exclusively played and coached in Spain.
As a player Iraola played for Athletic Bilbao where he reached the final of the Copa del Rey on three occasions and the UEFA Europa League final in 2012. He would go on to end his career with New York City in the USA’s Major League Soccer.
He was appointed in his first managerial role in June 2018 at Cypriot club AEK Larnaca, he lasted a little over 6 months before getting sacked. His second appointment was with CD Mirandés in Spain’s Segunda División, once again his stay was short, leaving 12 months later for second-tier side Rayo Vallecano.
Whilst at Rayo Vallecano over the past two seasons, Iraola has built up his reputation, aided by winning promotion to La Liga and then winning both home and away against Barcelona.
In February, Leeds United reportedly approached Rayo Vallecano to speak to Iraola in a bid to save them from dropping out of the Premier League. However, the Spanish side blocked their approach. Leeds United would go on to be relegated from the top flight of English football and Iraola departed Rayo Vallecano upon the expiry of his contract.
AFC Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley told afcb.co.uk…
“We’re so excited to welcome Andoni to the club, 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.
“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.”
Your say…
northstandmark wrote…
Reading into his work with Rayo, the profile of club they are and the kind of job done there, you can see some logic in the appointment.
Whether it was the right call to sack GON for, will be debated for weeks and months I’m sure.
Colour me intrigued, if a little dazed by it all. – To join the conversation, click here.
