Redknapp backing Terry for Cherries

JOHN Terry is as an ideal candidate to become the next Bournemouth manager, according to former Cherries boss Harry Redknapp.

The south-coast club, who sit sixth in the Sky Bet Championship, are searching for a new man at the helm after sacking Jason Tindall following Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday.

Jonathan Woodgate has been placed in temporary charge, but former England captain Terry, who is currently assistant head coach at Aston Villa would be the perfect replacement, according to former Cherries boss Redknapp.

“Given the opportunity, he could be a really top-class manager. If I was a chairman looking for a manager now, John Terry would be top of my list,” Redknapp told talkSPORT.

“He’s at Aston Villa, he may not be interested, I wouldn’t know what his long-term ambitions are, but I’m sure he would want to get into management.

“If you’re going to get into management, I couldn’t think of a better club to take over than Bournemouth.

“It really is a good club, wellrun club, good players. It’s all there really for somebody to come in and make a big success of it.”

Tindall, who spent the majority of his playing career at Bournemouth, succeeded the long-serving Eddie Howe in September following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Defeat to the struggling Owls was a fourth league loss in succession under the 43-year-old, leaving the Cherries 13 points behind Championship leaders Norwich City.

A club statement read: “AFC Bournemouth have today parted company with manager Jason Tindall.

“It is a decision which has not been taken lightly, given Jason’s outstanding commitment to the club as a player, assistant manager and manager.

“However, recent performances and results have fallen well below the board’s expectations.

“We feel a change is needed now in order to give the club the best possible chance of achieving the goals that were clearly set out last summer.”

Tindall, who played more than 170 times for Bournemouth, spent several seasons as Howe’s assistant on the club’s fairy-tale rise from the brink of extinction to the top flight.

He was given his chance as manager following Howe’s departure last summer but after a strong start, the Cherries have registered just one Championship victory this year.

The club statement added: “We would like to place on record our thanks to Jason for his services to AFC Bournemouth over the past 22 years.”