Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin demands ‘belief’ after sacking ‘shell-shocked’ boss Scott Parker

Scott Parker has been axed as Bournemouth head coach in the wake of their demoralising 9-0 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday.

The 41-year-old’s departure comes three days after the Anfield drubbing, with Cherries co-owner Maxim Demin demanding “belief in” the club and its players.

Parker admitted to feeling shell-shocked after Liverpool’s relentless approach exposed all the Cherries’ frailties. And he said the club were under-equipped to compete in the Premier League.

 “It goes without saying it is a really humbling experience. And I am pretty shell-shocked,” said Parker.

“I am not that surprised given the level here is far greater than we have. I’m not making an excuse, some of the goals were our own doing.

“I feel sorry for the fans. I feel sorry for the players because we are ill-equipped at this leve

And on Tuesday Parker was sacked, Demin said in a statement: “I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us.

“Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history.

O’Neil takes over from Parker

“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. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”

Gary O’Neil will take interim charge of the first team, assisted by Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick.

Parker took over at Bournemouth in June 2021. He took the job soon after parting ways with Fulham, signing a three-year deal.

Parker, who won promotion to the Premier League last season, won 28 of his 55 games at the club, with a win ratio of almost 51 per cent. But defeats to Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool were enough for Demin to wield the axe.