Bournemouth have parted company with former Bolton man Gary O’Neil, the club has confirmed.

O’Neil took charge at the Vitality Stadium in August, initially on an interim basis after Scott Parker’s departure.

The 40-year-old was given the job full time a couple of months later and guided the Cherries to Premier League survival, finishing five points above the drop zone in 15th place.

But the club has now decided to head in a new direction with the appointment of Andoni Iraola, who has signed a two-year deal following his exit from Rayo Vallecano.

Chairman Bill Foley admits parting ways with O’Neil was not easy and is grateful for his efforts over the past season.

He told the club website: "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."

Bournemouth recorded 10 wins and six draws in the league during O’Neil’s time in charge, including victories against Liverpool and Tottenham.

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