Bournemouth sack Scott Parker just FOUR games into the new Premier League season

Parker guided the club back to the top-flight after securing a second-place finish in the Championship last season.

Bournemouth beat Aston Villa 2-0 in their first match of the new campaign but have since suffered three heavy defeats to Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool since - conceding 16 goals without scoring.

On Tuesday, Bournemouth announced that Parker had left the club.

"I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us.

"Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history," said Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin.

"However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and a club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably. We must also show belief in and respect for one another.

"That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately." 

Parker becomes the first managerial casualty of the new Premier League season and leaves Bournemouth 17th in the table, one point above the relegation places.

He is the first Premier League manager to be sacked in August since Sir Bobby Robson was dismissed by Newcastle in 2004.

Many Bournemouth fans are unhappy with Parker's departure so early into the season.

"They played 3 title contenders, seems unfair to me," wrote one supporter on Twitter.

Another added: "Pathetic. 4 games into the season. Joke of a club."

A third wrote: "A bit reactionary, don't you think lads? He beat Villa and has played City, Arsenal and Liverpool since, where most teams will get no points…"

First-team coach Gary O'Neill has been appointed interim head coach following Parker's dismissal, with Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick acting as his assistants.

Bournemouth next face Wolves away from home on Wednesday before travelling to face another newly-promoted side, Nottingham Forest, on Saturday.