Written By Andy Jones (@TheRamblingHam)
AFC Bournemouth have sacked manager Jason Tindall after last night’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.
A run of four successive league defeats was enough for the hierarchy at the Vitality Stadium to dismiss the 43-year-old after only just six-months in charge.
A statement from the club’s board of directors, said: “AFC Bournemouth have today parted company with manager Jason Tindall. It is a decision which has not been taken lightly, given Jason’s outstanding commitment to the club as a player, assistant manager and manager.
“However, recent performances and results have fallen well below the board’s expectations. We feel a change is needed now in order to give the club the best possible chance of achieving the goals that were clearly set out last summer.”
Having played for Cherries 199 times and forming a key part of Eddie Howe’s backroom staff, before taking the manager’s role himself, Tindall will be fondly remembered on the South coast regardless of this decision.
Those associated with the club will always acknowledge the part Tindall played in helping save the club from dropping out of the Football League, and the incredible journey that followed, culminating in promotion to the Premier League.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to Jason for his services to AFC Bournemouth over the past 22 years.
“He is someone who is fondly thought of throughout the club, having played an important role in rescuing the club from its darkest days and taking it on the greatest journey it has ever had.
“Jason will always be welcome at Vitality Stadium and we would like to wish him every success for the future.”, the statement added.
Tindall’s departure comes after only one win in the last eight Championships games. The club’s poor run of form has seen them slip from chasing automatic promotion to the brink of the playoffs.
Clubs such as Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City are all waiting to pounce on Bournemouth’s misfortune. The Dorset club is now only two points clear of Boro, with both Rovers and City having games in hand which could see Cherries drop out of the playoff spots.
The arrival of Jonathan Woodgate earlier this week to replace Graham Jones on the coaching staff has now made the former Boro boss and Real Madrid defender favourite for the hot seat.
Other names being thrown into the hat are Frank Lampard, John Terry and Harry Redknapp.
After recently being replaced as Chelsea boss, Lampard may see this opportunity as having come round too quickly. Whilst another former Blue, and Aston Villa assistant manager, Terry, has yet to manage a side of his own, a mistake the club will not want to make again.
Redknapp, however, has had a long affiliation with Bourenmouth and is seen by some as the ideal candidate to help the club gain promotion back to the Premier League, as he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the club.
The club has yet to announce who will take charge of Saturday’s game against Birmingham with the board expected to meet later today to draw up a shortlist of potential candidates.