CHERRIES have appointed former Reading, WBA, Oxford and Barnsley star Phil Whitehead as their new goalkeeping coach.

The 33-year-old has joined Cherries on a part-time basis and will work with the club's team of goalkeepers at Canford School twice a week.

Oxford-based Whitehead hung up his boots after leaving Reading in the summer and will replace Clive Saunders who left the club at the end of last season.

He will combine his role with turning out for Conference newcomers Tamworth and is also in negotiation with another league club regarding a part-time coaching post.

Whitehead, who is midway through his UEFA B coaching licence, told the Daily Echo: "I heard Bournemouth were looking for a goalkeeping coach and somebody put a good word in for me. I went down there for a couple of days and they decided they wanted to take me on.

"Obviously I know Peter Grant from my time at Reading and I know Gareth Stewart because I've played against him a few times. I've never played against Neil Moss, but I know of him and I watched him when he was at Southampton.

"Both Neil and Gareth are technically very good and I've already told them I'm not going to rip their techniques to pieces because they've got this far doing it the way they do. My job will be to keep them sharp and ticking over ready for games.

"Goalkeepers were left to get on with their own training a few years ago, but it's a specialised position which requires specialised coaching. The coaching and training of outfield players is totally different so to be lumped in with them was always a disadvantage.

"Clubs realise this now which is why they get in specialised coaches. Goalkeepers need specialised coaching to ensure they are kept at the top of their form and I am really looking forward to working with the lads at Bournemouth."