FORMER Premiership player Tim Collier has promised to ruffle a few feathers having accepted Bournemouth’s invitation to return as player-coach.

The 36-year-old lock said he had implemented “radical changes” during training at Chapel Gate this week and has been lined up to play in tomorrow's home clash with Barnstaple (2.30pm).

Lions, who were relegated from National Two South last season, have kicked off the campaign with three defeats slumping straight to the bottom of National Three South West.

Collier, David Dunn’s right-hand man during Bournemouth’s meteoric rise to rugby’s fourth tier, was deemed surplus to requirements at the start of Budge Pountney’s ill-fated spell in charge of the club.

Ex-Worcester Warriors forward Collier described as “criminal” Lions’ rapid decline over the past year but, on the back of talks with new chairman Phil Sinkinson, vowed to aid the ailing club’s recovery.

Collier told the Daily Echo: “The chairman asked me to come back but I made it clear from the off that we needed to adjust a few things.

“There have been some radical changes to make the set pieces more fluent over the past week. We have altered the whole line-out strategy because it was obvious that what we had in place wasn’t working.

“I put myself forward for selection and have been picked to play so hopefully my experience will help the boys. I have kept myself fit with some boxing so it will be interesting to see how I adapt after such a long time away.”

Collier continued: “I don’t know what has been going on for the past year and it does hurt because a lot went into gaining promotion to National Two.

“But, we are where we are and all we can do is try to build on what we have. We’re only three games into the season and hopefully we’ll pick up five points against Barnstaple. The morale in the squad is still good and there is a lot of talent there.

“I have been in the game for 20-odd years and the boys respect that. I have only been back for a week but we have changed many things. Hopefully, getting the family bond back into the squad will make people react and want to fight for each other.

“It won’t be easy and things will take time but I feel confident we will react and that we’re capable of getting a win. I have put my voice in there and the players have listened so we have every reason to feel positive.”