Iraola signs contract extension

The Cherries registered the club’s highest points total in the Premier League during Iraola’s first season at the helm.

His new deal will commit him to the club until at least the end of the 2025/26 season.

Iraola told afcb.co.uk: “I’m very happy to sign the contract. For me, it is a matter of renewing the confidence from both sides.

”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.

”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 Simon 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.”

Iraola signed a two-year contract when he joined the Cherries in June 2023 following a successful spell with Spanish club Rayo Vallecano.

The former Athletic Club defender overcame a challenging opening fixture schedule which saw the Cherries take three points from the first nine games, before presiding over an impressive seven-match unbeaten run which included an historic first league victory against 20-time English champions Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Wins against Burnley, Luton Town and Everton saw Iraola crowned Premier League Manager of the Month for March, while he has also been shortlisted for the competition’s prestigious Manager of the Season award. 

AFC Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill 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.”