Premier League promoted AFC Bournemouth are on the lookout for a new coach with immediate effect. Four games after returning to the English premier league, Scott Parker has to pack his bags
The Premier League has its first coaching sacking of the new season: Scott Parker was sacked by promoted AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday. The 41-year-old, who had been one of the youngest coaches, is thus history just four matchdays after returning to the English premier league.
The Cherries had started the season with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Parker, on the other hand, lost his last game on the sidelines in a thumping fashion, with Bournemouth conceding one of the heaviest defeats in league history in a 9-0 loss to Liverpool.
Although the highly ambitious Reds thus won for the first time and overtook Bournemouth – who are now 17th, just outside the relegation zone – the dismissal comes as something of a surprise in terms of the promoted side’s other opponents: these were champions ManCity (0-4) and flawless first-placed Arsenal (0-3).
“Trust and respect for each other” not enough
For Bournemouth’s club owner Maxim Demin, this resounding defeat was too much. He thanked “Scott and his team” on the website, saying promotion would “always stand as one of the most successful seasons in our history”. However, the club as a whole must move forward, which is why the dismissal was ultimately “absolutely necessary”, despite “trust and respect for each other”.
As of now, the promoted club is looking for a new coach. At Bournemouth, Gary O’Neil will take over the team on an interim basis and will be supported by Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick.