Iraola's potential departure 'a sad thought' - Billam-Smith

Last month, BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark revealed that contract negotiations between Bournemouth and Andoni Iraola's representatives were "still taking place", with the manager's current deal set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

But former cruiserweight world champion boxer and Bournemouth fan Chris Billam-Smith believes the manager's decision will depend on "how this season goes" for the Cherries, who are currently ninth in the Premier League table after 11 games.

Speaking on a special live episode of the Cherries: Unpicked podcast, Billam-Smith explained: "It is an exciting time to be Bournemouth manager, but I think whether Andoni Iraola stays or goes will depend on how this season goes.

"He might want to move back to Spain and take on European football, if we weren't to make it this season. Hopefully we won't have to think about any of this though - it is a sad thought.

"Bill Foley is a serial winner and surely, as a manager, you would want the owner of your club to be someone like that? He definitely sees the value in Iraola and has provided him with the funds for new players, a recruitment team and everything else.

"It has to be an exciting job for him because he has all the facilities and a good budget.

"The club is still very grateful to have him, even though we are in a period now where there is more expectation from the fans and the board because of the level we are getting to."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds