AFC Bournemouth
Cherries’ interim head coach Gary O’Neil faced the media for his first pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Here are three things we learned…
1. Precious point from Wolves to take to Forest
O’Neil took charge for the first time as the Cherries ended a run of three successive defeats with a morale-boosting 0-0 draw with Wolves on Wednesday.
He will be hoping they can build on that when they face Steve Cooper’s team, Forest promoted alongside the Cherries last season.
O’Neil said: “First and foremost, it was important for us to put on a performance we could be proud of. The lads definitely gave us that and the clean sheet they worked very hard for was important.
"A point at this level is always big so I was pleased we could put another one on the board. The boys are in decent spirits.
"We’ve spoken already about being able to compete at this level and we showed that on Wednesday night. We need to improve on that, of course, it was by no means perfect.
"The boys know we can go to Nottingham Forest and be competitive. It's a tough place to go, the crowd will be behind them but we know we can go there and try to win the game.
"Every game this club plays at Premier League level is a big game for us and the point against Wolves can be big."
2. O'Neil's debut in the dugout as interim head coach
O’Neil enjoyed a stellar playing career, winning promotion to the Premier League with West Ham, QPR and Norwich. But how did he enjoy his debut as Cherries’ interim head coach?
He said: “I enjoyed the prep, I didn’t enjoy the 90 minutes. It was my first taste of standing at the front and it wasn’t overly enjoyable.
"The first half was a little scrappy. The boys gave everything but it wasn’t a controlled game. I’m hoping to enjoy it more tomorrow.
“I knew management was a big job, I knew being in charge of a group would have big responsibilities and would be a lot of work.
"I love prepping the team and I love getting them ready to go, the only stressful bit is the 90 minutes which I’m sure I’ll get used to the more I do it."
3. It's a special club to O'Neil
O’Neil was drafted in as first-team coach alongside Jonathan Woodgate in February 2021 and played his part in the club’s return to the Premier League last season.
Asked about his time at Vitality Stadium, the 39-year-old said: “It’s a special club and I’ve loved every minute of my 18 months here.
“It does have a special feel about it. You can feel it when you are in and around the players and that will be one of our key strengths this season.
“The way the club is, how together it is and how close-knit it is will be vital for us when we go into some games that every promoted team does.
"You have difficult matches at this level, it’s how you respond to them and how you come back ready for the next one.
"They are an incredible group. Mentality-wise, integrity and relentlessness, they will never stop until it’s over.
"It's the best group I’ve been around, even as a player, so I think Wednesday night answered the question about whether can we compete at this level."
