NOT MUCH BOARDROOM FOR MANOEUVRE

ALEX CROOK

BY

SKIPPER Adam Smith is backing the Bournemouth board to make the right call in the hunt for a manager.

Interim boss Gary O’neil (right) finds himself in a straight shoot-out for the job with former Leeds chief

Marcelo Bielsa. And the nature of Saturday’s dismantling of Everton, leaving O’neil with an impressive 13 points from 11 games in charge, has left the hierarchy with a tough call.

Bournemouth stalwart Smith said: “It’s the club’s decision. We trust the board and the new owner. Whatever decision they make, it’s up to them.”

Bournemouth looked down and out when O’neil was asked to step in for the sacked Scott Parker after a record-equalling 9-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Midfielder Jaidon Anthony saluted O’neil for the way he has galvanised a deflated dressing room. Anthony, scorer of the third goal against Everton (below), said: “It was a bad day that day at Liverpool but we knew we had a lot of quality in the squad and that we could bounce back. Gary has been superb. We have known him a long time in a different role and since he’s come in and taken over he has given the squad such belief. He has been amazing for us.

“Whoever comes in I am sure the squad will get together and back their ideas. We have a good group and are excited to come back after the break and keep going.”

Saturday’s victory lifted Bournemouth two points ahead of relegation rivals Everton.