Scott Parker became the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season after Bournemouth's 9-0 trashing away to Liverpool at the weekend. Parker had possibly the toughest start to the season out of all the managers in the league, playing Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in their opening four games. The other game came in a win over Aston Villa on the opening day of the campaign.
In a statement released by AFC Bournemouth, the club said that the decision to part ways with Scott Parker was not to do with recent results and it looks like a disagreement between Parker and the board over their transfer activity could have been the cause.
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The statement says:
However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and a Club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably. We must also show belief in and respect for one another. That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now,
AFC Bournemouth can announce that the club has parted company with head coach Scott Parker.
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 30, 2022
Parker appeared to criticise the club's operations in his post-match press conference on Saturday, his last as Bournemouth manager.
Scott Parker sacked – was this interview the final straw? 🤔
[THREAD] 🧵 pic.twitter.com/l4M9YWmma6— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 30, 2022
This Summer, they completed the signings of Marcus Tavernier for £10 million from Middlesbrough, as well as Italian centre back Marcos Senesi for around £14 million from PSV.
Parker also signed Joe Rothwell, Neto and Ryan Fredericks on free transfers, but compared to some of the other sides in the league and fellow new promoted clubs Fulham and Nottingham Forest, they've only spent a fraction of their rivals.
Shay Given on Scott Parker being sacked
Speaking on talkSport on tuesday morning, former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has said that he is "shocked" with the board's decision to dismiss Scott Parker so early in the season.
Given said:
I'm a bit shocked if I'm being honest
I mean the job he did bringing Bournemouth up, the money they generated, I don't know the exact figure, £100 million, £150 million someone said to get promoted and they've spent what £24 million in the transfer window this summer
He's not been backed. it would be a miracle if they stayed up. I'm shocked
🤯 “I’m shocked!!”
💰 “The job he did bringing Bournemouth up and the money he has generated.”
❌ “He’s not been backed! It would be a miracle if they stayed up. I’m shocked!”@No1ShayGiven reacts to the news that Scott Parker has been sacked by #AFCB. pic.twitter.com/MMlnCnO3mC— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 30, 2022
It's safe to say that perhaps Bournemouth's decision is premature and with Parker having a primarily championship squad of players, it's difficult to disagree with Shay Given.
Parker was appointed as manager of the Cherries in the summer of 2021 after he left Fulham following relegation. In his first season in charge, he had a fantastic Championship campaign which saw Bournemouth finish in second place on 88 points, they were promoted back to the top flight.
Parker isn't the only manager in the UK to be sacked after the weekend's results. Dundee United parted ways with manager Jack Ross after their 9-0 defeat to Celtic.
SEE ALSO: Shay Given Defends Mark Travers After Liverpool's Record Win Over Bournemouth
