Five contenders to replace Scott Parker as Bournemouth manager

Scott Parker became the first Premier League manager to be sacked on Tuesday, leaving Bournemouth just days after their 9-0 defeat to Liverpool. 

The Cherries confirmed in an official statement that the Englishman had been relieved of his duties, citing that, ‘in order to keep progressing as a club, it is unconditional that we (they) are aligned in their strategy to run the club sustainably’.

In the wake of record-equaling their defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, Parker appeared to criticise the club’s transfer strategy this summer, having signed just two players for fees.

“I have been clear how this season could look for us and I stick by that,” he said.

“We need to make a decision and try and help this young group who at times are struggling for air. Every one of us needs to make that decision. We have been trying to get more quality in and there are a million reasons why.”

In May, Parker guided Bournemouth to promotion back to the top flight, and they won their first game of the season, defeating Aston Villa 2-0. Since then, though, they have lost to Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool by an aggregate score of 16-0.

Now that Parker has departed, we take a look at five candidates who could possibly replace him.

Sean Dyche

Former Burnley man Dyche is the bookies’ early favourite to succeed Parker. The 51-year-old was sacked by The Clarets just weeks before the end of last season, but had guided them to top half finishes in both 2018 and 2020. The ex-Watford boss was well regarded by Burnley supporters and rival fans alike, and his sacking came as something of a shock to many. He hasn’t yet found a new club, and the opportunity to take over a club in the top flight could be an appealing one.

Dyche was adored by Burnley fans

Gary O’Neil

Former Portsmouth midfielder Gary O’Neil has been placed in temporary charge of Bournemouth for their game against Wolves on Wednesday. The 39-year-old has experience coaching Liverpool’s under-23s squad, and has been involved with The Cherries since February 2021. He hasn’t yet ventured into senior management, though, and those in charge at the club may possibly feel it is too much of a gamble to employ someone with no experience in tip flight management.

Chris Wilder

Another English manager that arguably overachieved in the Premier League, Wilder guided Sheffield United to the top flight back during the 2018/29 campaign. Wilder followed up that success by overseeing a ninth-place finish on The Blades’ return to the Premier League, their highest finish at that level since 1992. The following season didn’t go quite so well, though, and he left the club in March 2021, with United sat bottom of the table having taken just 14 points from 28 matches. Wilder was then without a job until November last year, when he replaced Neil Warnock as manager of Middlesbrough. Boro finished seventh last term, narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs.

John Terry

Like O’Neil, ex-Chelsea captain Terry has also yet to take up his first senior managerial post. The former England international spent three years as assistant manager of Aston Villa, before departing in July 2021. He has since been linked with several roles, but has yet to secure his first managerial position. In January this year, Terry took up a coaching consultancy role with Chelsea, the club at which he spent almost two decades.

Terry is still waiting for his first managerial role

Nathan Jones

Luton Town boss Jones is another name being linked with the position at Dean Court. The Welshman guided Luton to safety in his first season, before securing promotion from League Two a couple of years later. He departed for Stoke City in 2019, but spent just a year there before returning to Kenilworth Road. Last season, he guided Luton to the Championship play-offs, before they were beaten in the semi-finals by Huddersfield Town. Jones doesn’t have experience managing in the top flight, but his record in the Football League is impressive.

Liam Manning

Liam Manning has been linked with the role

Manning may be little known to Bournemouth fans, but the Englishman is well respected in the Football League after guiding MK Dons to a third-place finish in League One last season. The Dons were beaten in the semi-finals by Wycombe Wanderers, but Manning’s efforts were appreciated. This season they have started slowly, but beat Morecambe 4-0 on Saturday and will be looking to improve. Manning has also previously managed in Belgium.