Southern League outfit Bournemouth have appointed Dorset skipper Chris Park as their new director of cricket.

Park, who has captained the county for two years, will also turn out for the Lions as they look regained their top-flight status in the SPL.

The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman will be in charge of all adult training and coaching at the club.

Park, who had been playing his club cricket with Northampton Saints, said: "Having decided to play my club cricket in Dorset next season, I have been in discussion with several local clubs but Bournemouth really impressed me the most.

"There is a real sense of momentum around the club and, with such fantastic playing and practice facilities, there is the scope to create something really special."

Bournemouth captain Martin Miller said: "This is a real coup for the club.

"We are very keen to regain our place in the top division of the SPL and appointing Chris to this position is one of several initiatives that we are currently undertaking in order for this to happen."

Bournemouth are in a unique position locally being the only club in the whole of Dorset to play in an ECB Premier league.

For this reason they are working closely with both the County Club and the County Board to ensure that talented young cricketers wishing to play at a higher level no longer have to play outside of the Counties boundaries.