Its the news that all Cherries fans feared, but the club have now announced that Andoni Iraola will be leaving the club come the conclusion of his contract at the end of the season. It's now up to the Bournemouth hierarchy to find a replacement, with many early links to the post.
AFC Bournemouth have confirmed this afternoon that head coach will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Whether the Basque head coach would stay put or go in another direction has been a talking point with Cherries fans throughout the campaign, but its now time to start to think about who could be replacing Andoni on the south coast.
Potential Candidates
The early favourite for the role according to many reports, is German head coach Marco Rose.
Currently without a club, Rose has built a reputation as a very modern and dynamic coach, rising through the Red Bull Salzburg system before spells at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. Marco favours an intense pressing style, quick transitions, and vertical attacking play. Rose’s teams are typically energetic and aggressive out of possession, aiming to win the ball high and exploit spaces rapidly, though defensive consistency has occasionally been a criticism.
Another name that has been reportedly sounded out by Bournemouth is the current Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. McKenna came through coaching roles at Tottenham and Manchester United before taking the reigns at Ipswich Town. He has impressed with his possession based style and his current Ipswich sides relative rise has earned him recognition as one of England’s most promising young coaches.
A more romantic and sentimental link is that of former Cherries gaffer and player Eddie Howe. Albeit unlikely, Eddie is currently under pressure at Newcastle and his connection with Bournemouth and their supporters remains as high as can be. Fans on the south coast were always positive about his energetic and offensive approach whoever the opposition. Howe has already returned to the club once previously, when he had already left his role to take up the head coach position at Burnley. A third reunion would be a surprise but potentially one welcomed by the Cherries faithful.
Credit: Chronicle Live
As for Andoni Iraola himself, his next move will be watched closely. His success in England has significantly enhanced his reputation, and opportunities throughout Europe are likely to emerge. His hometown club Bilbao are after a manager come the end of the season, and Andoni is already hotly tipped to take on that particular role. Equally, there well may be many potential vacancies in the Premier League, with Newcastle, Manchester United, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and even Liverpool amongst the clubs linked with the Basque head coach.