REPORTS suggest that the Cherries squad would like to see current interim head coach Gary O’Neil given the job on a permanent basis.

Former Portsmouth and Bolton midfielder O’Neil has led Cherries to two draws and a win in his three games in charge, lifting the side following a 9-0 defeat and the dismissal of Scott Parker at the end of August.

With Parker sacked mainly for his comments in the media following suggesting that the current group of players were ill-equipped to secure Premier League survival, there appears to be support for O’Neil, who has come out praising his charges since taking temporary control of Cherries.

Following a battling draw with Wolves in his first game, the 39-year-old shared: "As a group, they’re the most honest, hard-working, together, relentless group that I’ve ever been involved with. Even in my playing career.

"You can throw everything at them and they’ll never quit. I think we have enough to be competitive at this level, yes."

In the report, the Telegraph state: “The majority of the club’s players would favour the 39-year-old being given the job on a full-time basis”.

Cherries’ hunt for a new manager has been impacted by the potential prospect of new owners, with the club reportedly up for sale.

Current owner Maxim Demin has been reported to have entered “exclusive talks” with American businessman Bill Foley, with a deal in the region of £150million mentioned.

O’Neil has commented that he is preparing to continue leading Cherries until further notice, saying after Saturday’s draw with Newcastle: “Training for the next week is all planned.

“I planned that, just in case it’s me.”