FORMER Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll has been appointed head coach of England's under-19 side.

The 57-year-old spent more than two decades at Dean Court as a player, coach and manager and guided the club to success in the League Two play-offs in 2003.

O'Driscoll left Cherries to take the hotseat at Doncaster Rovers in September 2006 and led the Yorkshire outfit to the Championship within two years prior to spells in charge of Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.

Reporting to England under-21 boss Gareth Southgate and the Football Association's director of elite development Dan Ashworth, O'Driscoll takes charge with immediate effect but will assist John Peacock when the under-19s take on European champions Germany on Monday.

O'Driscoll told the FA's official website: "I am excited by the approach now being undertaken and the ongoing work to put in place a strong England culture and identity in which players and coaches can learn, develop and be successful.

"Britain's most successful sports are those that have invested the time and effort in creating cultures of excellence and supportive yet challenging environments, where success is a result of everybody working towards the same vision.

"The vision is to produce intelligent, committed England teams that entertain, play without fear and are brave with the ball, all with the continuing aim of achieving sustained international success.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute at this pivotal time for English football."

Southgate added: "We are delighted with Sean's appointment, as we think he is somebody whose values and philosophy match what we are trying to embed.

"I think the role will really suit him and he is joining us at a time when his ideas will have the chance to impact on, not just the age group he will be working with, but the group of national coaches.”