Former Bournemouth defender Ian Harte says the club’s new owner should stick with manager Gary O’Neil.
The Cherries have struggled since Bill Foley bought the club, though they earned an impressive point against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Saturday. The 1-1 draw sees Bournemouth sitting second from bottom on the Premier League table.
However Harte, who spent two years at Dean Court, is quietly confident O’Neil can guide Bournemouth to Prem safety, particularly after Foley’s support in the January market.
Speaking on behalf of Bookmakers, Harte told Tribalfootball.com: “I think Gary’s done very well I think the Bournemouth fans obviously everyone needs a bit of patience, but I think what he’s what he’s done so far, of course there’s pressures but they’ve brought in a few new players and hopefully with them additions, they can help and push the team on.
“It’s very tight down there there’s probably about six seven teams who you’re going to pick out of who could get relegated, just depends on the one or two that’ll probably start getting a few decent results. If I’m being honest, I think someone like Everton with (Sean) Dyche in there now I think he will keep them up.”
Indeed on Dyche, Harte doesn’t believe there’s regret inside another of his former clubs, Leeds United, after his appointment at Goodison Park.
He explained: “I’m not sure, I just think that everything happens for a reason. Maybe it means someone like (Mauricio) Pochettino or Ange Postecoglou becomes manager now.
“I think every Leeds fan is probably glued to their phones or Sky Sports at the moment.
“We’ll just have to wait and see and hope that the right person comes in that can help the team survive.”
