Andoni Iraola was appointed head coach of AFC Bournemouth on 19 June 2023, replacing Gary O'Neil.

The Spaniard was a defender during his playing career, being Athletic Club's first-choice right-back between 2003 and 2015.

Iraola made over 500 appearances for the Bilbao side, helping them reach the Copa del Rey final twice, as well as the UEFA Europa League final in 2012.

He went on to spend a single season with Major League Soccer side New York City before retiring in 2016.

Iraola's first senior coaching appointment came two years later, with Cypriot side AEK Larnaca, before returning to Spain for a season with promoted club Mirandes.

He built the club a reputation as giant-killers, knocking Villarreal and Sevilla out of the Copa del Rey on their way to the semi-finals.

In August 2020, Iraola took charge of Rayo Vallecano, whom he guided back to LaLiga in his first season, and steered them to victories over Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla in the top flight.