Scott Parker has taken over as head coach at Bournemouth on a three-year contact after leaving Fulham.

The former England midfielder, 40, took over at Fulham in February 2019, but could not stop them being relegated from the Premier League that season.

He guided them to promotion back to the top flight via the play-offs in 2020, but they came down again last season.

"The ethos, the reputation, the journey and the challenge here is something that's very exciting," said Parker.

"I believe this is the perfect fit for both parties. We want to build a team the fans can be proud of and one they feel represents them. We can't wait to get started."

Parker, who succeeds Jonathan Woodgate at Bournemouth, will be joined by first-team coach Matt Wells, goalkeeping coach Rob Burch, head of performance Alastair Harris, first-team head analyst Jonathan Hill and lead physical performance coach Charlie Moore, who have all left their roles at Fulham.

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: "It has been a long process but I am delighted to finally get our man.

"Scott has always been our number one choice for this role and someone whose coaching career we have taken a keen interest in since his first steps in Tottenham Hotspur's academy.

"Over a period of time he has proven himself as one of the best young head coaches in the country; someone who has a clear philosophy on how he wants to play and knows what it takes to win promotion from the Championship.

"Scott is fully invested in the long-term project in front of us here, and this is the start of an exciting new period for this club."
Fulham to 'respond, compete and win'

Fulham described Parker's departure from Craven Cottage as "by mutual consent" and chairman Shahid Khan said: "Through promotion and relegation alike, Scott has always enjoyed my support.

"Scott's departure does nothing to shake my confidence, however. We will hire a new head coach who is capable of achieving our goal of promotion and will be committed to Fulham and its supporters.

"And we will field a squad that will respond, compete and win. Onward."

Bournemouth announced on Sunday that Woodgate would leave the club when his deal expires at the end of the month.

The Cherries have also confirmed that goalkeeping coach Neil Moss, assistant manager Stephen Purches, first-team coach Simon Weatherstone and physio Steve Hard have left, saying: "Thank you to all four members of staff for the unwavering commitment and hard work over the years."

Bournemouth were beaten in the Championship play-off semi-finals last season by Brentford as they missed the chance to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Woodgate took charge as head coach in February after his predecessor Jason Tindall was sacked after only six months in charge.