Andoni Iraola has signed a new contract at Bournemouth that extends his stay at the Vitality Stadium to the end of the 2025-26 season.
The Spaniard signed a two-year deal when he joined the Cherries in June 2023 but is now committed to the club for a further 12 months.
Read our other stories here:
Arteta hails ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal mentality after Man Utd win
Havertz jokes Arsenal now Tottenham’s biggest fans as title race goes to the wire
Keown hails Arsenal’s defensive duo
“I’m very happy to sign the contract. For me, it is a matter of renewing the confidence from both sides,” said Iraola, whose side are 11th in the Premier League table having amassed a club-record points haul in the top flight this season.
“We have had a good experience with our first season together in the Premier League, and I am happy that both sides want to continue the relationship further.
“I’m proud that we achieved the points record. We are playing in a difficult competition, with very good opposition. The season started slowly, but I think we improved a lot and are playing in the right way.
The news you all wanted to see 😍
Andoni Iraola signs a contract extension with #afcb ✍️🍒 pic.twitter.com/6LeuDN2vlh
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 13, 2024
“We have to continue improving the team, because the level of the Premier League is really high, and I’m looking forward to working with [technical director] Simon [Francis] and the rest of the team over the summer to help us do that.
“I would like to thank the supporters for everything in our first year together. I am thankful that they were supporting us even in the beginning when we were not winning games, and that they have been very helpful to the players for the whole year.”
Foley rewarded for showing patience
Iraola had a sticky start at Bournemouth, taking just three points from his side’s opening nine games, but owner and chairman Bill Foley stuck by him and is now reaping the rewards.
Foley said: “Andoni has made a huge impact since arriving at the club and we are thrilled to agree to this extension.
“We have achieved a club-record points tally in the Premier League thanks to a series of excellent performances and results from the team.
“The players have clearly bought into his footballing philosophy and our supporters have really taken to him. We look forward to continuing to work with him.”
