Premier League outfit Bournemouth have sacked head coach Gary O’Neil despite keeping the club in the top flight last season.

The 40-year-old was placed in caretaker charge in August following the departure of Scott Parker after a 9-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Cherries part company with manager Gary O’Neil

Last season was O’Neil’s first in charge of a club and due to the Cherries comfortably staying in the Premier League there were calls for the Bournemouth boss to be nominated for the league’s manager of the season award.

The news was announced on the Cherries’ official social media platforms earlier today and the club will now begin their search for O’Neil’s successor with a new manager expected to be announced imminently.

We can confirm that we’ve parted company with head coach Gary O'Neil.

We’d like to place on record our thanks to Gary and wish him all the best for the future.

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) June 19, 2023

Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley explained his decision, saying, “This has been a difficult decision, but it has been made with great consideration to best position ourselves ahead of the coming season.”

Bournemouth finished 15th in the Premier League last season, five points above the relegation places.