JOE Partington is set to start a coaching role in the Cherries academy.

The 29-year-old this summer left Bristol Rovers and, despite being offered a contract at the League One club, rejoined non-league Eastleigh.

Alongside competing for a place in Ben Strevens’s side, the role will see Partington assist with the youth development phase at the Dorset club, working with various age-groups up to the under-15s.

In an interview with Bristol Live, Partington said the step down from the Football League would give him the opportunity to explore other challenges.

He said: “It’s a move that’s going to have a really positive impact on my life I think. Obviously the pull of more football was massive. But I’m taking up a role in the academy at AFC Bournemouth alongside that, so being able to combine my football with my coaching was a big deal to me.”

Partington came through the Cherries academy and made 59 appearances for the club, scoring two goals.

He was part of the ‘Greatest Escape’ squad of 2008-09 and helped secure a return to League One the following season.

The midfielder is also in the process of setting up a business that organises fitness camps for footballers.