May 13 – Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been rewarded with a new contract at the south coast club, extending his stay until the end of the 2025/26 season.
After a rough start to life in the Premier League, taking only three points from his first nine matches in charge, Iraola has led Bournemouth to 11th place with 48 points and been nominated for the Barclays Manager of the Season award.
His appointment was originally met with scepticism, with the club firing Gary O’Neill, who now manages Wolves, despite a strong term as manager. The Spaniard has proved worthy of his place at the club, though, after securing a club-record Premier League points total in his first campaign.
“I’m very happy to sign the contract,” Iraola told the club’s official website. “For me, it is a matter of renewing the confidence from both sides.
“We have had a good experience with our first season together in the Premier League, and I am happy that both sides want to continue the relationship further.
“I’m proud that we achieved the points record. We are playing in a difficult competition, with very good opposition. The season started slowly, but I think we improved a lot and are playing in the right way.
“We have to continue improving the team, because the level of the Premier League is really high, and I’m looking forward to working with Simon (technical director Simon Francis) and the rest of the team over the summer to help us do that.
Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley added: “Andoni has made a huge impact since arriving at the club and we are thrilled to agree to this extension.
“We have achieved a club-record points tally in the Premier League thanks to a series of excellent performances and results from the team.
Bournemouth enter the final Premier League matchday versus Chelsea in 11th place, with the potential to leapfrog Brighton into the top ten with a win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1729231960labto1729231960ofdlr1729231960owedi1729231960sni@g1729231960niwe.1729231960yrrah1729231960