Former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington says assistant coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper will be "sorely missed", if they follow Andoni Iraola out of the Vitality Stadium doors this summer. Iraola, who left the Cherries at the end of the season, has already reached a verbal agreement to become Liverpool's next head coach following the sacking of Arne Slot.
The Spaniard bowed out at the Vitality Stadium by securing the club's highest-ever Premier League points total and finish, qualifying for the Europa League in sixth on Sunday. Before departing on holiday, he spent two hours talking to Rose about players, tactics and the challenges he is about to face on Monday. The meeting impressed those at Bournemouth and was said to be a final show of commitment.
Come the second half City fell apart with a woeful display defensively, gifting the game to a revitalised Villa. It's a special thing to put football aside and recognise someone's contribution, so when I say that giving our legends that guard of honour (mid-game I might add) is the most beautiful thing I've seen in a while; I mean it. Guardiola has left this team in an excellent position for the future with its ability to continue winning.
