Bournemouth have announced that they have parted company with head coach Scott Parker.
The decision comes on the back of the Cherries losing 9-0 at Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, equalling the biggest-ever winning margin in the Premier League's history.
However, with Bournemouth having collected three points from four difficult fixtures after earning promotion, the announcement has come as a surprise.
Parker and Bournemouth started the campaign with a 2-0 over Aston Villa before losing heavily to Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, conceding 16 goals in the process.
The Cherries are also currently preparing to square off against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, while negotiating potential new signings in the transfer market.
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In a statement to reveal Parker's exit, co-owner Maxim Demin has hinted that disagreements over the latter have heavily contributed to the decision revealed on Tuesday morning.
Demin said: "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.
"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."
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After the capitulation at Anfield, Parker spoke openly about wanting to significantly strengthen his Bournemouth squad, adding to comments that he had made the previous day.
On Friday, Parker said: "We need bodies through the door, for sure. It has been pretty tricky for many reasons, for many circumstances, so I'm hoping and everyone is hoping."
While Bournemouth have made five first-team signings this summer, three have been free transfers, and no fresh faces have arrived at the Vitality Stadium since August 8.
Parker leaves Bournemouth with a record of 28 wins and 13 defeats from 55 matches in all competitions, guiding the club to promotion to the Premier League with a second-placed finish in last season's Championship.
Gary O'Neil has been placed in temporary charge for Wednesday's encounter with Wolves.
