'Future generations may look back on Iraola's reign as golden age'

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"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

A phrase often attributed to children's author Dr Seuss, though its exact origin is unclear - but a phrase whose sentiment was likely shared among Bournemouth's followers on Tuesday when the news they had feared was confirmed.

Head coach Andoni Iraola will be departing in the summer.

Like any club, the Cherries have lost managers before in unwanted circumstances. John Bond's departure for Norwich in 1973 left a bitter taste in the mouth for years after he proceeded to sign nearly half the Bournemouth team to join him at Carrow Road.

A decade earlier, player-manager Bill McGarry's decision to leave for Watford left the Cherries not only needing a new manager, but having to replace their best player.

In later years, Harry Redknapp and Eddie Howe had both seemingly been indelibly linked with the Dean Court club after nearly a decade in charge apiece, but both went on to managerial success elsewhere.

And so it is likely to be with Iraola, whether back at Athletic Club where he reached legendary status as a player and remains a supporter, or whether one of England or Europe's elite come calling.

And as such, the Bournemouth faithful can look back at three years under the Spaniard which have contained their joint-highest league finish, their highest top-flight points tally and some of the most memorable games in their history.

Any such shortlist would have to include the back-to-back 3-0 wins at Old Trafford plus the epic 4-4 draw there earlier this season, three wins in their past four games with Arsenal culminating in Saturday's success which blew the title race open, and finally slaying the Manchester City dragon in the clubs' 22nd league and cup meeting.

Liverpool and Tottenham have been beaten by Iraola's Cherries, who have also pulled off some spectacular late comebacks, such as coming from 3-0 down at half-time to beat Luton 4-3 in 2024, and last season's late heist at Goodison Park where Everton had led 2-0 going into the 87th minute, only for Iraola's men to burgle a 3-2 win.

In a purple patch in January 2025, an injury-ravaged Cherries side pummelled in-form Newcastle 4-1 in what must rank as one of the best away performances in the club's history, before turning on the style at home a week later to thrash Nottingham Forest 5-0.

This season, the Cherries are currently riding the wave of a record 12-game unbeaten top-flight run as Iraola's magic touch has defied prophecies of doom made after multiple sales of key players in the past two transfer windows.

Nothing lasts forever, and Iraola's replacement will have the chance to forge a new history of their own. But they will have big shoes to fill, after a three-year spell which future generations may look back on as a golden age.