CHERRIES’ full focus is on picking up three points this weekend ahead of a reunion with former boss Gary O’Neil, shared Joe Rothwell.

O’Neil returns to Vitality Stadium for the first time since his dismissal in the summer by Cherries, the club deciding to move in a new direction with the appointment of Andoni Iraola.

Subsequently, O’Neil was appointed by Wolverhampton Wanderers, who visit Cherries tomorrow afternoon (3pm).

Rothwell was handed his Cherries debut by O’Neil, coming off the bench in a defeat to Southampton, before going on to make 20 top-flight appearances in his first Premier League campaign.

Cherries have struggled during the first months of Iraola’s tenure, with the Dorset outfit yet to taste victory in the Premier League after eight attempts.

In contrast, O’Neil has had a slightly more successful start to life at Wolves which sees them five points and five places above Cherries in the league table.

Most notably, Wolves have defeated reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

Discussing the return of O’Neil, Rothwell told the Daily Echo: “You try not to really think about it.

“You know, it's part of football.

“It happens, managers come and go.

“For whatever reason, we made a change.

“I’m sure everyone will give Gaz (Gary O’Neil) a good reception when he comes back.

“But we'll definitely be going into that game hoping to get three points out of it.

Although signed under Scott Parker, Rothwell’s first competitive Cherries appearances came under O’Neil, the midfielder having missed the start of last season due to injury.

 Asked if he looked back at O’Neil’s spell in charge with fondness, Rothwell replied: “Yeah, definitely.

“Came in under one manager and picked up the injury.

“He gave me my chance and I really appreciated that, really enjoyed working with him.

“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.”

So far this term, Rothwell has played seven times for Cherries, including five appearances in the Premier League.