Bournemouth sack Scott Parker after 9-0 defeat to Liverpool
Bournemouth have announced the sack of their manager, Scott Parker after just four Premier League games.
Parker’s dismissal comes following Bournemouth’s 9-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
The 41-year-old is the first manager to lose his job in the Premier League this season.
Bournemouth, who beat Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season, have lost to Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. They are due to play at home to Wolves on Wednesday evening.
Speaking after Bournemouth’s 9-0 defeat to Liverpool, Parker gave a bleak assessment of the club’s current position.
‘Probably not surprised too much, to be honest with you, in terms of the level we’re up against here, and the quality. It’s just far greater than what we have at this present moment in time,’ he said.
At this present moment in time, I feel sorry for the fans, I feel sorry for the players, to be honest with you, because at this moment we’re just a little bit underequipped at this level, from where we’ve come from, from what we have. Yeah, bit difficult.’
A statement from Bournemouth on Tuesday read: ‘AFC Bournemouth can announce that the club has parted company with head coach Scott Parker.
‘Gary O’Neil will take interim charge of the team, and will be assisted by Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick.’
Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin said: ‘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.’