DEAN Holden hopes to see Gary O'Neil given the Cherries job on a full-time basis, having worked closely with him at Bristol City.

Holden joined the Robins as assistant manager to Lee Johnson in November 2016, shortly after O'Neil had arrived at Ashton Gate towards the end of his playing career.

The midfielder spent two years playing for the Robins, followed by one season at Bolton Wanderers before retiring.

He then went into coaching, taking up a role at Liverpool, before moving to Cherries in February 2021 to work under Jonathan Woodgate.

O'Neil last week stepped into the hotseat as interim Cherries boss, following the departure of Scott Parker.

In his two games in charge, Cherries have taken four points. He is set to be at the helm again on Saturday, when Brighton visit Vitality Stadium.

Taking to Twitter after O'Neil guided Cherries to a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Holden wrote: "Really hope Gary O'Neil gets the opportunity on a full time basis at AFC Bournemouth.

"Getting to know him whilst he was a player at Bristol City, you could see he had what it takes to become a top manager."

O'Neil is currently priced at 2-1 second favourite with bookmakers to take the role, with former Burnley boss Sean Dyche (6-4) the current favourite.

Holden is currently out of work, having left Stoke City earlier this season.