MARK Morris has joined the growing former Cherries contingent at New Milton Town after being unveiled as the club's head coach.

The ex-Cherries captain joins club patron John Williams and director of football John Sainty at Fawcett's Field and will work alongside manager Shane Sheridan and assistant Joe Sullivan.

A member of Wimbledon's 'Crazy Gang' as a player, centre-half Morris was player of the season at Dean Court in 1992-93.

Reflecting on the appointment, Sheridan said: "When the opportunity came up and I had discussions with Mark, it was obvious he was the right man for the job.

"Myself and Joe felt we needed an experienced head in the dugout and this is a man who captained a team at Wembley. You can't get much more experience than that."

New Milton chairman Scot MacFarlane also hailed Morris's arrival.

He said: "As soon as Shane mentioned Mark, we knew it was a good move. Who better than a player and coach of Mark's ability and experience to learn off in training and on match days?

"He's a coach who commands respect and his experience will be invaluable.

"It's great that we have excellent ex-Bournemouth players like Mark Morris, John Williams and John Sainty around the club so our younger coaches can tap into their knowledge and experience when required."

McFarlane added: "There has been a lot of upheaval over the summer in terms of refurbishing the ground, club house and hospitality suites but it's for the good of the club long term.

"We hope to build on this firm base now and make the club a success on the pitch. When we came in there was one team playing under that banner. Now we have 11 and are growing every season."

Harry Redknapp paid £95,000 to bring Morris to Cherries in July 1991 and he starred in the FA Cup third-round replay win at Newcastle in 1992.

Morris went on to spend five years at the club and scored eight goals in 194 league games.