Bournemouth's hopes of appointing a new head coach will depend on the immediate ambitions of the club, according to Caroline Barker.

The Cherries have endured a somewhat frustrating season so far after suffering relegation to the Championship last term.

The hope was that the club would be able to bounce back at the first time of asking but things haven't exactly gone to plan.

Bournemouth are currently sitting in sixth position in the table which means that they have significant work to do if they're to make an immediate return to the top flight.

Jason Tindall was the young coach trusted with the responsibility but was dismissed from his role with the Cherries struggling this term.

The search is underway for his replacement, but according to Barker, it remains to be seen whether the club are looking for a young coach to develop or a more experienced head who will help the club to promotion in the short-term.

Speaking on the Sky Sports EFL Podcast, Barker said: “I’ve been listening to some of the fans’ podcasts and they don’t want to go near Tony Pulis or Jonathan Woodgate.

“For the same reason as Woodgate they don’t want John Terry.

“While Woodgate has had experience with Middlesbrough – on one hand they want someone with experience and others say they want someone in the Eddie Howe style.

“If they’re to look at the play-offs they need a tub-thumping manager who’s going to use every element of this side to make them exciting and make it so they can beat anyone – but it’s the same old names that come around.

“So are you looking for a two, three, four-year plan now, of if you’re just looking to throw someone in and give them a chance then is someone like Frank Lampard going to want to risk it for that chance knowing that if they don’t go up then he’s out of the door possibly?

“There has to be clear direction from the owners as to where the club is going, but the only communication we’ve had is that they got rid of Jason Tindall and that’s because they want promotion.”

The verdict

This decision is absolutely massive for Bournemouth.

The club are at something of a crossroads as they look to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Cherries must make a decision quickly, but more importantly it's essential that they get the right man to secure promotion back to the top flight.