#PLStories- Being bookies’ favourite to become Cherries boss ‘doesn’t mean anything’ to Gary O’Neil #AFCB

GARY O'Neil insists being listed as the bookmakers' favourite to become Cherries' next permanent boss "doesn't mean anything to me". O'Neil is currently interim head coach at the club, having stepped up into the role last month following the sacking of Scott Parker. He has since presided over one win and two draws in his three matches in the hotseat. That has led to bookies listing him as favourite to take the role on a full-time basis, priced, at the time of writing, as an odds-on 8/11 shot with Sky Bet. Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder is listed as second favourite at 7/4, ahead of Kjetil Knutsen (10/1) and Sean Dyche (12/1). Asked how he feels about being listed as favourite, O'Neil said: "I don’t gamble, so I don’t know how the bookies would know. It doesn’t mean anything to me, to be honest. No feeling towards it at all. "I’m thinking about Brentford and I’m just really excited about this one because it’s the first home game in a while. "I’m just thinking purely about, come on lads, let’s go, let’s get a positive result against Brentford and let’s build on what we’ve done so far." Asked if he has had any conversations with the board about his long-term future, or if he has put his name forward to be considered for the role, O'Neil added: "I honestly don’t feel the need to put my hat in any ring. "I feel like I’m delighted to be working for Bournemouth. "The opportunity to take the team for the last few games and the next game I’m delighted with. "I don’t feel the need to go any further than that at the minute. "I think it’s really important that the here and now is dealt with and I try and put the club in the best place possible at three o’clock every Saturday is my sole focus." Cherries host Brentford on Saturday (3pm).