CARL Fletcher has been appointed loan player manager at Cherries.

The 38-year-old takes up the role with immediate effect, having previously been in charge of the under-21s.

Former Cherries midfielder Fletcher will monitor players from the first team and under-21 squads who are on loan.

He will liaise with various departments at other clubs – including coaching, medical, sports science and analysis – to ensure Cherries players enjoy successful spells away from Vitality Stadium.

Fletcher told the club website: “I’m really excited about the role.

"I’ve been working with the under-18s and under-21s for five years and have really enjoyed seeing the lads come through the system, watching them develop as players and people.

"Now it is time for the next step and when the role came up, it was something that appealed to me.

"I’m really looking forward to experiencing another part of the football world, visiting the players who are out on loan and making sure they are being looked after properly."

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake said: "Making use of the loan system has become a key part of developing our players over the past few years.

"Therefore, this is a very important role and one we have been looking at for some time.

"It was crucial we got the right person and I am delighted to appoint Carl, who we believe is the perfect fit, given his wealth of knowledge and experience as a player and coach."

Shaun Cooper – previously under-18s assistant – will take charge of the under-21s until the end of the season, assisted by Mark Molesley.

Cooper will oversee the Premier League Cup clash with West Brom at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (7pm).