JOE Roach has added further professional expertise to his Academy staff with the appointment of ex-Cherries goalkeeper Gareth Stewart.

Stewart, who made close to 200 appearances for the club, joins former Cherries stars Alan Connell and Mark Molesley on the coaching side.

Capped by England at under-21 level, Stewart spent four years as goalkeeper coach at Yeovil before leaving the club in April.

Stewart, who started out as an outfield player and was on Cherries’ books for nine years, will work with the club’s under-15s.

Academy manager Roach told the Daily Echo: “Gareth will be a great addition to the overall coaching philosophy and we are thrilled to have him on board.

“He will be working with one of the age groups from an all-round coaching perspective and not just the goalkeeping side of it.

“He’s got the opportunity to bring in his goalkeeping experience and blend it with the outfield players which is great for us because it gives us both from one particular coach.

“He may well look to help Steve Manning, our goalkeeper coach, as we develop so we will have two people with goalkeeping and outfield experience.

“Gareth fits this club’s philosophy because he understands it having played here and been around the club for so long.

“I took his coaching course a few years ago and he showed then that he had an eye for the outfield elements of the game.

“His arrival adds to the experience and professionalism in the Academy. We have a good blend of coaches who can all learn from each other.

“Gareth can learn from the experienced coaches and they can learn from a very experienced goalkeeper. It is similar with Mark Moseley and Alan Connell and we are delighted to have enhanced the team.”

Roach, who was appointed by Eddie Howe almost two years ago, added: “We have an excellent staff on the Academy.

“We are indebted to the work of people like Graham Mills, our YDP lead coach, Bruce Surraci, FP lead coach, Carl Robson, head of recruitment, and Ben Bradley, head of sports science.

“There are a host of other people in specialist areas including Lizzie Sharp (head Academy physio), Dan Ashby (Academy analyst), Dawn Roach (head of education) and Matty Holmes (pre-Academy coach).”

Roach was also keen to add his thanks to all part-time staff and interns.