MIKE Pope has become Bournemouth's third head coach of the season.

Following promotion to National Two South, Will Croker left his role at the club in October.

Jon Sanchez took the reins but has now also departed, with Pope stepping up to become player-head coach.

Lions are rooted to the foot of the table with just one win in their 12 matches, following Saturday's last-gasp heartbreaking 17-16 defeat to Leicester.