Former English and Bournemouth manager Harry Redknapp has praised Gary O’Neil for his efforts in keeping Bournemouth up, saying that not many could have gone in and achieved what he (Gary) did. 

Redknapp’s first managerial job was with the Cherries between 1983–1992, taking charge of over 450 games for the club and going on to coach for 33 years, including some Premier League clubs like West Ham United, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Gary O’Neil took charge of Bournemouth On 30 August 2022, in caretaker charge by Bournemouth following Parker’s dismissal, and took charge of the team for the first time the following day, in a 0–0 draw against Wolves, before getting his first victory in the club’s following match, a 3–2 victory against Nottingham Forest on 3 September.

Redknapp named Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe as his Premier League manager of the season at a promotional event, but not without mentioning O’Neil and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi’s efforts this season.

“Gary O’Neil has done brilliantly at Bournemouth; I’m delighted for him and the club. It was a really difficult start to the season for Bournemouth, and he was thrown into the deep end after Scott Parker left. He stuck in, though, and managed to improve this side, particularly at the back. For Bournemouth to stay up pretty comfortably, in the end, is a brilliant achievement, and he definitely has to be one of the managers of the season. Trust me, not many could have gone in and achieved what Gary did this year.” Redknapp said.

Gary O’Neil oversaw 12 matches as interim boss of Bournemouth after Scott Parker’s sacking; he was then awarded a permanent deal by the Cherries with an initial 18-month contract. Bournemouth ended the Premier League 15th on the table, five points clear of the relegation zone.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu