CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola is “really looking forward” to meeting club chairman Bill Foley for the first time in person, with the owner in town for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs visit Vitality Stadium in the lunchtime kick-off (12.30pm), with Foley jetting in from the States to watch on in the flesh.

Last season’s meetings with Spurs produced good viewing for the neutral, with Spurs’ 3-2 comeback win in Dorset in October matched by a Cherries victory in London by the same scoreline in April.

In the summer Cherries made the decision to part ways with Gary O’Neil and hire Andoni Iraola after it became apparent that the Spaniard was both available and willing to take over at Dean Court, with Foley believed to be the driving force behind the decision.

Asked if he had met his boss in person before, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I've had meetings with him, but it's true that they have been on the phone, online, whatever.

“And yes, we will meet probably today, later during the day and I'm really looking forward to it.”

Aside from the victory against Leicester City Foley watched prior to owning the club, the American businessman has only seen Cherries win once at Vitality Stadium, taking in the 4-1 thumping of Leeds United that all but confirmed Premier League status for a second season.

However, it took four attempts, Foley also seeing Cherries lose to Crystal Palace, Burnley, and West Ham prior to the dismantling of Leeds.

“I don't know the president (Foley) if he has given luck to the team,” joked Iraola.

“I think so, I think so.

“And I hope that whenever he comes, we can give him a good game of football and we take the result much better.”

Since Foley led Black Knight Football Entertainment’s takeover of Cherries in December 2022, the club have been very active on the market, paying initial fees for 10 players totalling a reported £163million.

Asked if this was the most resources he had worked with at a club, Iraola replied: “As a coach, probably.

“As a player (there is more resources), especially in Athletic Club, which is a very big club, but as a coach, for sure.

“And I also think it's not like he's only investing short term to try to perform right now.

“He's investing in the new facilities.

“I don't know when they will be ready, but they are working on it.

“Also signing young players for the future of the team and I think it's a very good thing for a club.”