'Highly sought after' - Brighton's Premier League rivals appoint ex-Spain international and Leeds target as new head coach

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth have moved swiftly to replace departed manager Gary O’Neil.
By Matt Pole
Published 19th Jun 2023, 15:20 BST
Updated 19th Jun 2023, 15:21 BST
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The Cherries have announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club's new head coach on a two-year deal.

Iraola, who was heavily linked with the vacant job at Leeds United, arrives at Vitality Stadium following the expiry of his contract at Rayo Vallecano, where a successful three-year spell ended with an 11th-placed finish in La Liga last season.

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He earned promotion to the top flight in his first season with the Madrid club in 2020/21, before taking the team to the Copa Del Rey semi-finals in the following campaign.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth have moved swiftly to replace departed manager Gary O’Neil. Picture by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty ImagesBrighton & Hove Albion’s Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth have moved swiftly to replace departed manager Gary O’Neil. Picture by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth have moved swiftly to replace departed manager Gary O’Neil. Picture by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

He had previously taken Segunda División side Mirandés to the same stage of the domestic cup in 2019/20, for only the second time in the club's history. He started his managerial career in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca where he led his side in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League.

The former right-back enjoyed an impressive and long playing career himself, which included more than 500 appearances for Athletic Bilbao and seven caps for Spain. He also played for New York City FC in their first two seasons in Major League Soccer.

AFC Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley said: "We're so excited to welcome Andoni to the club. With his contract in Spain coming to an end this summer we wanted to act quickly.

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"He was highly sought after by other clubs across the continent, and his style of play has been an important factor in making this decision. His achievements in Spain have certainly been very impressive, and we're confident that he is the right man to lead our next chapter.

"We have identified a number of targets in the transfer market, which along with our January additions will supplement our strong playing squad to give Andoni the best chance to consolidate our Premier League status and keep progressing."

The Seagulls are scheduled to host Iraola’s Cherries in the Premier League on September 23. Robert De Zerbi’s charges are then due to visit the Vitality Stadium on April 27, 2024.

Related topics:Premier LeagueBrightonLeeds