GARY O’Neil insists he is not seeking any extra clarity over his longer-term role at Cherries, stating: “I’m very happy with how things are at the moment.” O’Neil has taken charge of seven matches as interim head coach, since taking the role in late August, after Scott Parker was sacked. He suffered defeat for the first time in his temporary reign last night, losing 1-0 to Southampton. The 39-year-old is set to be in the dugout again on Monday night, when Cherries head to West Ham United. Asked if he has had any update regarding his job situation,
Gary O’Neil said: “No, we’re the same as we were. We’ll get the boys ready for West Ham, make sure we’re ready to go again, make sure we’re in a good place. That’s what I’ll be focused on in the next few days. I enjoy it, I love managing. I’m really enjoying it. The first defeat was going to come. I can’t wait to show how we’re going to respond.”
Asked if it would help to have some more stability,
Gary O’Neil added: “I’m very happy with how things are at the moment. I’m managing a club in the Premier League. The boys are responding, giving me absolutely everything. The fans stuck with them all night last night, even though they we were 1-0 down for 82 minutes, they stuck with them right till the end, because they could see what they were giving. We will continue to work hard, improve, be competitive and keep trying to put points on the board for the club.”
Discussing team news ahead of the trip to London Stadium,
Gary O’Neil said: “The boys are good. Obviously a few bumps and bruises that you always get, but nothing significant. We’re still in a good place.”
Injured duo Lloyd Kelly (ankle) and David Brooks (hamstring) are still unavailable.
