ALAN Connell is hoping he can give something back to Cherries by helping to bring through the youngsters who could write the next thrilling chapter in club history.

The 33-year-old remains a firm favourite at Vitality Stadium having enjoyed two successful stints in Dorset, playing his part in promotion from Division Three in 2003 as well as the Greatest Escape in 2009 and promotion from League Two in 2010.

However, the frontman was continually troubled by injury problems during his two spells at the club, which caused him plenty of frustration and mental hardship.

Connell, who can now focus on his part-time coaching role at Cherries' academy having announced his playing retirement on Friday, is keen to pass on to the club's prospects that they must be ready to combat pitfalls.

An academy coach since last summer, Connell told the Daily Echo: "I'm really enjoying the coaching and I want to learn and improve at a club that has been so good to me over the years.

"Coaching was something that was always in the back of my mind and when I hit 30, that was the point I started thinking seriously about what I was going to do when I finished playing.

"In the past year, I've been in the classroom a lot doing coaching badges and the club have helped me with that as well – I've had a lot of help from Joe Roach who has been brilliant.

"I have a lot of affection for the club and if I can help the young players in any way and pass on my experiences then that will be great.

"Football is all about recovering from setbacks so I'm trying to pass on to youngsters that it's not all a bed of roses and that if they progress, they will face some difficult times, and it's about how they respond to them.

"I think that's a trademark of the club in general."

Connell lists his early months at Cherries in 2002 as being a highlight of playing career, a spell which included a run of seven goals in eight games. Predictably, promotion from League Two in 2010 also figures among his favourites.

He added: "Everyone knows the club only had about 15 players back then but it was a great place to be around.

"It was a special time and the spirit was very much like it is today – there was a real togetherness.

"To score away at Burton the day we sealed promotion was really special.

"When people talk to me and the other players from that time, they are really appreciative of what the squad did.

"The current squad have taken it on unbelievably well but there were some dark days where we managed to keep our heads above water.

"I had quite a few injuries at Bournemouth but the low moments were worthwhile because the high moments were really sweet."