AFC Bournemouth are closing in on the appointment of a new manager, chairman Jeff Mostyn has told the BBC's Kris Temple.

The Cherries failed to join Watford and Norwich in sealing an immediate return to the Premier League this term, losing to eventual play-off winners Brentford in the semi-finals.

Another season in the Championship awaits them, then, and it promises to be a summer of transition for the South Coast club.

Jonathan Woodgate is reportedly set to be replaced at the helm following their play-off collapse, with his deal set to run out at the end of the season after he replaced Jason Tindall in charge.

It remains to be seen who takes over at the Vitality Stadium, but speaking to the BBC's Kris Temple, Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn has revealed that the club are in the "closing stages" of their recruitment process.

He said: "We're currently finalising the recruitment process for a manager. We're in the closing stages of that.

"The manager appointment is fundamental - it's the key appointment of the summer. It's the first piece of a puzzle.

"Once we have the manager in place, we'll build a squad around him. The aim is to put together a playing squad that's going to be competitive and progressive in the Championship next season."

The Verdict

It will be very interesting to see who takes charge of Bournemouth ahead of next season.

There hasn't be an awful lot of speculation regarding who will be their next manager, so it really is open.

I think they need someone who has won promotion from this level before, as they cannot afford to spend another season in the Championship.

Of course, experience of winning promotion doesn't always guarantee success, and if they can get in a progressive coach who can get the best out of their key attacking players, then that could also work out well.

It will be an interesting week for the Cherries, that's for sure.