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Bournemouth v Wolves preview: Gary O'Neil focusing on Wolves ahead of Cherries return

Gary O’Neil insists his sacking from Bournemouth does not affect him and tomorrow’s clash is not about him as Wolves travel to face his former club.

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Gary O'Neil (Getty)

Despite Bournemouth being heavily backed for relegation last season, O’Neil came in to replace Scott Parker and remarkably keep the Cherries in the Premier League.

Many were suggesting O’Neil should be a contender for manager of the season, but he was unceremoniously sacked in the summer and replaced by Andoni Iraola.

Now, the 40-year-old returns to the Vitality Stadium for the first time since he was dismissed, but the boss is fully focused on Wolves.

“I don’t link it to last year, it’s a completely new challenge at a completely different club and situation,” O’Neil said.

“Last year didn’t do anything to me really, I understand the nature of the game. When I was playing I was moved on from clubs when I thought I was the best player. It happens, you get moved on, it’s the nature of the game.

“The best managers in the world have been sacked, it’s just the way the game is. I understand it.