Andoni Iraola nominated for Premier League manager of the month
The Basque boss has presided over an unbeaten month for the Cherries, seeing them win three and draw three games.
The month began with a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium, after a goal from player of the month-nominee Dean Huijsen.
A brilliant late turnaround win at Portman Road saw the Cherries beat Ipswich Town next, before Enes Unal rescued a late point at home against West Ham with a fantastic free kick goal in the 90th minute.
Iraola then managed his team to a second consecutive 3-0 victory at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
In the final two games of the month, Bournemouth secured draws against Crystal Palace at home, before another late goal saw them draw 2-2 with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The boss is up against Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo, former Cherries boss and now Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and Liverpool’s Arne Slot for the award.
Mepham’s success has already had some fans dreaming of a long-term stay for the loan star but at the very least, he seems bound to see out the full 2024/25 season with the Black Cats.
According to The Echo, Bournemouth did not include a recall clause in the deal to send Mepham to Sunderland for the season. It means a separate agreement would have to be reached to end his loan early but it seems there are no plans to do so.
Mepham is expected to spend the rest of the season in the north east as Regis Le Bris and co push for promotion from the Championship after a thoroughly impressive 2024/25 campaign to date.
A welcome development
Sunderland will have plenty of other things to worry about over the January transfer window, so knowing they don’t have to be concerned about Mepham returning to Bournemouth at the drop of a hat will put some minds at ease.
Mepham looks set to maintain a key role at the heart of Le Bris’ defence for the foreseeable. Barring injury, many would expect his place in the starting XI to be just about nailed down alongside one of Ballard or O’Nien.
