EPL News: Bournemouth appoint a Spanish coach as new manager after sacking Gary O'Neil

In EPL news, Bournemouth have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach after sacking Gary O'Neil.

Spaniard Iraola, who was previously wanted by Leeds, was available having recently ended a three-season spell in charge of LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano.

Iraola oversaw an 11th-place finish at the Madrid-based club last season, earning promotion to the top tier in his first campaign in charge in 2021.

Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley said: "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."

His appointment comes after O'Neil's departure was announced earlier on Monday. He took over as interim head coach following the sacking of Scott Parker in August and was given an 18-month deal in November.

He picked up 36 points during his time in charge and guided the club to a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, with many believing he was a Manager of the Year candidate another EPL news worthy achievement.

In other EPL news, repoter of Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam:

"It's come as a big surprise, this story. The club clearly didn't feel that Gary O'Neil was the right man to take them forward next season despite keeping them in the Premier League and notching up 39 points in the process.

"They wanted someone who could take on the club's DNA and push the club forward. They've got hugely ambitious owners who spent £100m to acquire the club in November last year. They invested £75m in the transfer window to invest in new players and they wanted a new head coach they felt could take the club to the next level.

"Iraola has five years of managerial experience, two of those recently in LaLiga where Rayo Vallecano finished 11th and 12th. He took them from the second division to the top-flight too.