FORMER Leipzig boss Marco Rose is the frontrunner for the Bournemouth job following Andoni Iraola’s exit.
Bournemouth confirmed Iraola, 43, will leave at the end of the season after failing to agree a new deal — despite the club pushing hard to keep him.
The Cherries have since compiled a three-man shortlist as they look to make a swift appointment ahead of the new campaign.
Rose became available in March 2025 after being sacked by RB Leipzig, where Jurgen Klopp now serves as Head of Global Soccer.
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is also in the running, though he is currently behind Rose in the pecking order.
But the other name is unknown.
Following Ipswich’s 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Tuesday night, McKenna was asked about the South Coast job opening.
The Northern Irishman told The Sun: “No, nothing to say on that. I’ve got no interest in discussing or thinking about that at the moment.
“It’s such an important time for us here and it’s full focus on our goals.
“Focus is just on such an important stage of the season with us right here.”
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
Odds for Bournemouth manager for 26/27 opener
Marco Rose – 5/2
Kieran McKenna – 7/2
Eddie Howe – 5/1
Ange Postecoglou – 7/1
Vasco Botelho – 7/1
Thomas Frank – 17/2
Gareth Southgate – 17/2
Edin Terzic – 17/2
McKenna is currently chasing promotion with Ipswich, who sit second in the Championship.
The former Manchester United assistant guided the Tractor Boys to the Premier League in 2023/24, sealing back-to-back promotions from League One.
But he was unable to keep them up the following season.
Iraola’s former assistant Inigo Perez is also admired by AFC Bournemouth, but he is not currently part of the three-man shortlist.
The Spaniard guided Bournemouth to 12th and ninth in his first two full seasons – the latter a club-record 56 points and their best-ever top-flight return.
They now sit 11th on 45 points with six games left after Saturday’s win over Arsenal, just three behind sixth-placed Chelsea in the race for Europe.
Iraola has done remarkably well since replacing Gary O’Neil in the summer of 2023.
But another former Cherries boss is higher up the market, with Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe priced at 5/1 with Betfair.
The Magpies have endured a disappointing campaign, with Howe’s future in the North East the subject of growing debate.
A shock return for Ange Postecoglou has also been touted, with the Aussie fourth favourite at 7/1.
Vasco Botelho is another name in the frame also at 7/1.
The Moreirense boss is regarded as a rising talent despite lacking experience at a major European club.
Thomas Frank comes with 17/2 chances despite his recent Premier League record with Spurs.
Frank was axed after eight months in the job, where he recorded 13 wins, 11 draws and 14 losses, leaving them 16th and with the lowest win percentage of any permanent manager in club history.
And former England manager, Gareth Southgate also features on the bookies’ odds at 17/2.
He led England to a 2018 World Cup semi-final, a first Euros final and another World Cup semi-final – before stepping down after defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
On the same odds, Edin Terzic has been without a club since June 2024, when he left Borussia Dortmund after the Champions League final.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
