ANALYST Jordan Smith has departed Cherries, to take up a role with League Two Stockport County.

The Hatters have been on the lookout for a new staff member, after head of performance analysis Joppe Meulensteen was snapped up by Middlesbrough.

Smith had been working as first-team training analyst at Cherries, having joined the club in January 2022. He previously had spells with Barnsley and then under Steve Cooper at Swansea City.

Stockport director of football Simon Wilson commented: “We are all sad to see Joppe go – he’s been brilliant. But we wish him the best in his next chapter with Middlesbrough.

“Replacing him I’m delighted to welcome Jordan Smith to the club, who joins from Bournemouth.

“Jordan has been a part of two really progressive coaching staff units at Bournemouth and Swansea and now takes his first ‘head of‘ role to lead our provision across the club, but primarily supporting Dave (Challinor, manager) and first team.

“We will ensure he will settle quickly into our group and allow him to build on the work we have done to date.”

Stockport currently sit top of League Two after 15 matches, having reached the play-offs last season.