Bournemouth have sacked manager Scott Parker following the club’s record loss at Liverpool last weekend.
Parker has become the first Premier League manager sacked this season, with the Cherries deciding to part company with the 41-year-old just four games into the new season.
Consecutive defeats to Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have seen the Bournemouth board make a decision on Parker’s future, with the latter loss a record-equalling 9-0 defeat at Anfield on Saturday.
The Cherries have released a statement confirming Parker’s exit and have thanked him for his contribution to the club, after Parker guided Bournemouth to promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt last season.
“AFC Bournemouth can announce that the club has parted company with head coach Scott Parker,” the statement read.
Maxim Demin, the club’s co-owner, added: “I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us. Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history.
“However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and a Club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably. We must also show belief in and respect for one another. That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”
Gary O’Neil will take interim charge of the team ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Wolves.
Parker suggested a lack of investment was behind Bournemouth’s humiliating defeat at Liverpool, admitting post-match that the loss ‘doesn’t surprise’ after a ‘humbling experience’ on Merseyside.
“It doesn’t surprise me. This is currently where it is at this moment in time. The players need help. Today proved too big a challenge. The levels were far too big,” he said post-match, as per the BBC.
“At times we couldn’t bear it, the intensity. We’ve got a decision to make as a club. There will be days like this. Time will tell. It’s a huge disappointment, a real humbling experience.
“I’m gutted for the players. It’s my job and it will be the defining of us as a group of how we bounce back from this.
“We have some days where hopefully we can get some help in and support and help the current team who came up from the Championship.
“There’s loads of work to be done. The experience today, you never want to be on the end of this. This is currently where are are. If this is the group we’re going with we’ll react and see where are.”
