GARY O’Neil has always craved being in football management – with a taster in charge of Cherries currently whetting his appetite.

However, after an unbeaten start as interim head coach, O’Neil’s desire to be in the dugout has not changed, with the former Portsmouth midfielder unchanged by experiencing life in the hot seat.

“Myfeeling towards it hasn't changed from when I first started,” commented O’Neil.

“I wanted to be a football manager a long time ago. That's still the case.

“Feel honoured and delighted that I've had the opportunity so far to do it for the three games and however many weeks it's been, and I'm delighted to take it until further notice.”

Cherries return to action, and the Vitality Stadium, this Saturday, when they host Thomas Frank’s Bees (kick-off 3pm).

Excitement is building in the Cherries camp according to O’Neil.

He restarted: “I think Saturday to start with is a huge game. I'm really excited about it.

“Really excited about where the boys are, opportunity to come back in front of our home fans.

“It's just been a while with the Brighton game being canceled and obviously the first game I took was Wolves and there wasn't a lot of time to get ready for that one.

“So, yeah, just really excited. Only a couple of days away now.

“Prep and excitement ramps up with a home game coming that we're going to be competitive in with the fact.”