Next Bournemouth manager: Jonathan Woodgate reacts to being named caretaker boss as ex-Chelsea duo remain the favourites

The 41-year-old was appointed the Cherries’ first-team coach on Monday, replacing Graeme Jones who joined the backroom team at Newcastle.

Two days after Woodgate’s appointment, the Cherries sacked manager Jason Tindall following four consecutive league defeats, meaning Woodgate will take temporary charge for this weekend’s home match against Birmingham City.

When asked how he felt after being put in temporary charge, Woodgate said: "Surprised."

"I didn't think anything like this would happen so early.

"I know managers come under pressure at times. I have been involved with [around] 25 managers over my career and I know it is a cut-throat business, but I didn't think it was going to be that early that it would happen."

Bournemouth are sixth in the Championship table, just two points ahead of Boro, after the Cherries were relegated from the Premier League last season.

"This club has been used to stability with Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall in charge and now two managers have gone in the space of six months," added Woodgate.

"It is something the players are not used to. It has been a difficult situation for everyone."

Former Chelsea defender John Terry is the early favourite to replace Tindall and is priced at 4/7 with bookmakers SkyBet.

Terry’s former Blues team-mate Frank Lampard is second on the list at 5/2, ahead of Woodgate at 8/1.

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