FORMER Cherries favourite Wade Elliott has been offered a path into coaching by Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill.

The 36-year-old playmaker, who made more than 200 appearances across six seasons at Dean Court, captained the Robins to this season’s League One title.

Elliott has not been offered playing terms with City returning to English football’s second tier but Cotterill is keen to keep the ex-Birmingham man on board.

Cotterill told City’s official website: “He’s fit enough to carry on playing, which is his dilemma. For me, due to where we may need to strengthen, I’ve offered Wade a coaching job.

“I’d be delighted if he accepted our offer to be in charge of the under-21s. He has to think about that and it’s a big decision for him.

“He would be an excellent addition to my staff. As someone who knows me, he has all the credentials to be a good, young coach.

“I think it would be a good opportunity if he took up the role because it’s something I take a great interest in. Wade knows what we’ve done here in the past 18 months and would be able to transfer that on a daily basis to the under-21s.

“There is no time frame. He will have other offers to carry on playing and I don’t want to finish his career prematurely if he still wants to play.

“He’ll talk to his family and close friends. I’ve spoken to him about and it’s all down to what he wants to do.”