Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WOODY GETS CHERRIES JOB AS CHASE FOR HENRY FAILS
Reds go second despitecoaching staff isolating with Covid-19
JONATHAN WOODGATE has been handed the reins as Bournemouth boss until the end of the season after the Cherries abandoned their pursuit of Thierry Henry for now.
Chief executive Neill Blake said: “As we head into a crucial part of the season, stability and clarity is of paramount importance for everyone at the club.
“With that in mind, and having concluded an extensive search for a new manager, we believe Jonathan is the best candidate to lead the team for the final 15 games of the season.”
The Championship club drew up an ambitious shortlist after sacking Jason Tindall at the start of the month, with former Huddersfield manager David Wagner and Henry’s old Arsenal team-mate Patrick Vieira also under consideration.
Woodgate has impressed as acting manager with a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals among three wins in five matches at the Vitality Stadium, where the focus is on a return to the Premier League.
QPR 2 BOURNEMOUTH REPORT - SEE PULLOUT PAGE 13
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MANCHESTER UNITED overcame Covid turmoil to return to second spot in the Premier League with victory over struggling Newcastle.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left without his entire coaching staff following an outbreak of coronavirus that forced those affected to isolate at home.
But second-half goals from Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes, after Allan Saint-maximin had cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s opener, saw United beat Steve Bruce’s beleaguered Toon, who are