LONG-serving Cherries star Stephen Purches is determined to play his part in the Championship - despite taking up a new coaching position.

Purches made his long-awaited comeback on Saturday when he appeared as a 75th-minute substitute in Cherries' 2-1 friendly victory over Wimborne Town.

Senior players Wes Thomas and Stephane Zubar featured alongside a host of development squad and youth team members as Purches oversaw his first win in his player-coach role.

The 33-year-old was last week unveiled as the new boss of the club's development squad.

One of Cherries' all-time leading appearance-makers, Purches said the chance to guide the club's next generation was one he could not turn down.

But he also insisted the dual role did not mean he was closing the door on his playing career following a broken leg.

And having embarked on a painstaking comeback bid since suffering the injury in February 2012, Purches made a welcome return in the Cuthbury pre-season clash.

Discussing his playing future, Purches told the Daily Echo: “I didn't want to close the door on something when I don't know what the outcome could be. I want to be known as a Championship player and be in the team photo as one of those players.

“From that moment on, who knows? I am just giving myself the best opportunity to be able to not close the door on anything and then I will soon know what direction I need to go in.”

First-half goals from Thomas and Jordan Chiedozie, either side of an excellent Mark Gamble strike, proved enough for Cherries to overcome the Southern League Magpies.

Meanwhile, Purches is also on course to play a part in his own testimonial - alongside special guests Steve Fletcher and Darren Anderton.

Dean Court legend Fletcher and former England and Cherries star Anderton will come out of retirement to play against Purches's former club West Ham United on Saturday (3pm).

Anderton told the club website: “Purchy is a good guy and a great professional. It is good to see him back and fit again because there is no doubt that he deserves this.”

Fletcher added: “I got on really well with him from the minute he joined the club and when he phoned me to ask to play in his testimonial, I was very honoured and very proud.”

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