AFC Bournemouth announce new head coach
Andoni Iraola joins the Cherries on a two year deal
A new head coach has been announced for AFC Bournemouth - just hours after his predecessor parted company with the club.
Andoni Iraola will replace Gary O'Neil at the Vitality Stadium.
Iraola's contract had expired at Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, with them finishing 11th in La Liga last season.
That followed promotion to the top flight, and reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals in the previous two campaigns.
He's a former player himself, making over 500 appearances for Athletic Bilbao and earning seven caps for Spain - as a right back.
AFC Bournemouth owner and 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."
Andoni will join the Cherries for the beginning of pre-season in July - before the squad heads to Marbella for warm-weather training camps and some friendly games there.
There'll also be two home pre-season games at the Vitality, before West Ham visit for the opening fixture of the new Premier League season at the start of August.