Premier League manager becomes a linesman! Tactician runs the line at a girls' grassroots game just hours after earning three vital points

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola became a linesman in a girls' grassroots game just hours after guiding the Cherries to a 3-1 win over Fulham on Friday in the Premier League. The Spanish manager has become loved by the locals after spending just two-and-a-half years on the south coast. Bournemouth has also grown in stature since the 43-year-old came on board.

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  Iraola turned linesman in a girls' grassroots match

  Iraola was spotted running the line for the local grassroots girls' side Merley FC on Saturday morning. The Spaniard was performing the linesman duties with a big smile on his face, according to . The Bournemouth boss appeared in the game just a day after his team beat Fulham 3-1 in the Premier League. Antoine Semenyo scored a brace, while Justin Kluivert scored a stunning third goal.

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  Iraola has become a local favourie

  The Sun further claims that Iraola has become loved by the locals on the south coast after spending only two-and-a-half years at the club. His reputation has increased after the Cherries's consistent performances in his first two seasons, where they finished 12th and ninth in the Premier League. 

• Kluivert praised Iraola

  After scoring a brilliant third goal that sealed his side's three points at Vitality Stadium, Kluivert spoke highly of his manager, as the Dutchman told : "[Iraola] is incredible. If you also see the guys that have left the team, how we are doing at the moment is incredible. I always say that the driver of the bus is the coach, and he is driving us on a crazy route. Amazing driver, so we follow him. We love it and that shows in the table."

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  Bournemouth off to a dream start

  Despite losing three out of their four first-team defenders, Iraola has guided Bournemouth to strong start in the 2025-26 campaign as they climbed up to the fourth position in the league table after their win over Fulham.