SHAUN Cooper set his sights on continuing Carl Fletcher’s work after being appointed Cherries under-21s boss until the end of the season.

With Fletcher taking on the role of loan player manager, Cooper replaced the former Wales international at the helm of the under-21s.

A hero of Cherries’ Greatest Escape campaign, Cooper had previously assisted under-18s boss Alan Connell and had also worked with younger age groups.

Reflecting on his new role, the former Portsmouth and Crawley defender told the club website: “I’m very excited. The challenges ahead are to carry on as the boys were.

“Fletch did a very good job and prepared the boys for a career in the game, so nothing changes there.

“We are looking to develop the youngsters and me as a coach.

“I was assistant to Al in the under-18s and that was very helpful in getting more exposure with the older players.

“It was a full-time role and I was leading the under-14s as well.

“There are different requirements as you move up the age groups, you can prepare the players slightly differently.”

Cooper made 231 appearances during an eventful seven-year stay at Dean Court during his playing career.

Signed by Sean O’Driscoll on a free in June 2005, he played a leading role in helping Cherries preserve their Football League status during a memorable 2008-09 campaign.