NEW head coach Will Croker promised to build on the legacy left by predecessors Craig White and Dan Connolly at Bournemouth – despite being saddened by their departure.

The 38-year-old’s appointment, announced in a chairman’s newsletter on Saturday night, came as a surprise just eight weeks after White and Connolly had agreed to permanently lead the club.

Ex-Oakmeadians captain Croker, who had worked with the duo as well as helping to coach the second XV since February, stated his belief that the reasons behind Connolly’s departure had been “entirely separate” to White’s.

Croker told the Daily Echo: “I started helping out the seniors but my main role was with the seconds until I was asked to work alongside Craig and Dan in a level structure.

“Unfortunately, because of Dan’s personal commitments and Craig deciding it wasn’t a structure he wanted to work within, I received a call from Phil (Sinkinson, chairman) asking if I would be interested in taking it on. I was absolutely delighted to accept and cannot wait to get started.

“I was really disappointed when Craig and Dan decided they could not continue. They are really talented coaches who understand what the players want from their rugby. 

“I would be foolish to tear it up and start again. My remit is to build from where we left off because the club wants the team to play an attractive style of rugby, one that makes people want to watch us. 

“Of course I am going to have to make changes to certain facets, otherwise I would not be adhering to my principles but they have given us a solid platform to work from.” 

Bullish White had predicted a promotion push when his interim position was made permanent in April and Croker sees no reason to quell that ambition. 

“To target anything less would do a disservice to the size of the club,” added Croker. 

“It will be difficult in this league because we don’t have a budget. Experienced coaches can go and command fees, even at clubs two or three levels lower than ours. 

“But provided we can keep everyone injury free and the players buy into to what I want to create, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to have a go at promotion, although I do need to assess what the group is like in terms of commitment levels and numbers.”