Bournemouth have confirmed the appointment of Gary O’Neil as their permanent manager after 12 games in charge as caretaker.

O’Neil, 39, has penned an 18-month deal to remain in charge of the Cherries after guiding the promoted side to a respectable 14th place before the World Cup break.

Chief executive Neill Blake said: "Gary did an excellent job on an interim basis and the board are delighted to make his position as head coach permanent.

"We have been impressed with the way he has conducted himself from the moment he joined the club and feel he has earned this opportunity to continue to take the team and the club forward.

"Gary has worked tirelessly and diligently on the training pitch and the players have responded by producing some excellent performances and results.

"It was evident from the reception he received from our supporters following the Premier League win against Everton that they have also appreciated his efforts and we are all looking forward to continuing our working relationship with him."

Former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder O’Neil was handed the reigns following Scott Parker’s dismissal just four games into the season.

He impressively went unbeaten in his first six games at the helm before ending a five-game winless streak with a 3-0 defeat of Everton in their last clash.