Bournemouth Aug 31 (BUS): A 9-0 thrashing of Liverpool and veiled criticism of the club’s transfer strategy was too much for Scott Parker to survive as Bournemouth coach.
The former England midfielder was fired on Tuesday, becoming the first Premier League coach to lose his job in August – the traditionally opening month of the season – since 2004, according to the Associated Press.
Parker has played only four games since Bournemouth’s return to the First Division, the last of which was the defeat at Anfield which marks the third consecutive loss for the South Coast side and equals the record for the biggest defeat in Premier League history in 30 years.
After Saturday’s game, Parker said some of his players were “not equipped at this level”, as Bournemouth lost 4-0 to Manchester City and lost 3-0 at home to Arsenal in the previous two games.
Parker said there were “a million reasons” for the club not bringing in high-quality talent in the summer transfer window, which ends on Thursday. In a summer that saw record spending by Premier League teams totaling more than $1.75 billion, Bournemouth brought in three players on free transfers and signed others for a total cost of around $27 million.
In the club statement announcing Parker’s departure, Bournemouth owner Maxime Demin did not mention the Liverpool game but said it was “unconditional that we are in line with our strategy to run the club sustainably.”
We must also show each other faith and respect,” Demin said. “This is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one we will not deviate from from now on.”
Parker was hired by Bournemouth in the off-season in 2021 and led the south coast team to promotion.
Bournemouth started life again in the league with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, but have since conceded 16 goals in three games without scoring.
Parker previously coached Fulham in a two-and-a-half year period that included two relegations from the league and one promotion in between.
“I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us,” Demin said. “Our promotion to the Premier League last season during his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history.”
Bournemouth will return to play on Wednesday, hosting Wolverhampton. Gary O’Neill, assistant coach, will take charge of the team temporarily.
In terms of days since the start of the season, Parker’s dismissal (25 days) is the 12th fastest in Premier League history. The closest was Paul Storrock, who was sacked by Southampton nine days into the 2004-05 season. Bobby Robson was also fired by Newcastle that month.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, another team was defeated 9-0 at the weekend by firing their manager on Tuesday.
Celtic defeated Dundee United with this score on Sunday in Jack Ross’ seventh match as referee. Ross was sent off with the team in last place in the Scottish Premier League and lost 7-0 in a qualifying match at the Europa Conference at Alkmaar Stadium this month.