CHERRIES have confirmed that Joe Roach will become head of player progression at the Premier League club.

A stalwart at the club, Roach is currently in his second stint behind the scenes at Cherries.

In his stead will be assistant Academy manager Sam Gisborne, who will step up to become Academy manager.

Involved in Cherries’ great escape as part of the backroom staff, Roach’s initial spell with the club lasted from 2001 to 2011, when he left to work with the Premier League.

On Eddie Howe’s return to Dorset from Burnley, Roach was asked to return to Cherries.

Over the years Roach has worked in a variety of positions, varying from a first team coach to under-18s manager, as well as briefly serving as a caretaker manager.

According to the club’s statement, the switch up of roles within the academy will come into place at the end of June.

Detailing his new remit, Roach told the club website: “I have an opportunity in my new role to focus on the older players in the academy.

“Whether they are moving through the age groups, supporting the loan manager when going on loan, training with the first team, but more importantly supporting the player care plan already in place.”

New Academy manager Gisborne initially joined the club on work experience in 2015, working his way up through the ranks of the operations side of Cherries, working very closely with Roach when it came to the academy.

Roach shared his joy that his young protegee was stepping up to take over the reins, stating: “It is with immense pride that I am able to hand over the academy responsibilities to Sam Gisborne as my replacement.

“He has shown a fantastic work ethic, humility and personal progression that allows me to confidently step into another role.”

Sharing his own personal delight at his appointment, Gisborne added: “I am thrilled to be moving up to academy manager.

“The academy is in a really good place, and Joe has consistently pushed me and other staff to keep improving and provide an environment for our young players to flourish.

“We have had some great success this year with academy boys getting a good amount of minutes and helping the first team achieve their goal of promotion to the Premier League.

“I can't wait to continue the good work Joe has done in his long and successful career at the club.

“Whilst it may not be easy to follow in his footsteps, I am very confident that with the staff we have now, we can continue to keep moving the AFC Bournemouth academy forward.”