FORMER Cherries star Brian Stock admitted he had thought "long and hard" before turning down a full-time coaching role at the Dorset club.

Stock, 36, declined the offer in favour of prolonging his playing career at Havant & Waterlooville.

The Hawks will play in the top tier of non-league next season after winning the National South title, skippered by Stock.

The former Wales international has his own academy and has plenty of experience coaching part-time in Cherries’ ID Centres.

He told The News: "I had to think long and hard before coming to a decision.

"It was a fantastic opportunity with AFC Bournemouth where I have a lot of links and contacts.

"I had a long chat with Lee Bradbury and he let me know he wanted me to stay. After weighing everything up I agreed to sign another one-year deal.

"Before deciding I took a lot of advice from other ex-professional footballers. They all said the time to pack in was when you stop enjoying it.

"I still feel that I have something to offer both on and off the pitch.

"We have had a great spirit in the squad and that was another factor. The other players wanted me to stay and that made the decision easier.”