JONATHAN Woodgate has been named the new head coach at Cherries until the end of the season.

The club have announced the 41-year-old has taken permanent charge after a spell as caretaker manager.

Woodgate had presided over five games in caretaker charge since the sacking of former Weymouth player/boss Jason Tindall – recording three wins, one draw and one defeat.

The likes of Thierry Henry, David Wagner and Patrick Vieira had been linked with the role but Cherries’ board have opted to appoint Woodgate on a short-term deal.

On Friday, former Real Madrid, Leeds and Tottenham Hotspur star Woodgate said he not been interviewed for the job.

But he will now stay on with all of the current backroom staff remaining in post, according to reports. 

The Nunthorpe-born defender earned eight England caps during a senior playing career which spanned 18 years.

Woodgate's only previous management experience came at Middlesbrough.

He was appointed in summer 2019 following the sacking of former Cherries boss Tony Pulis.

However, Woodgate was relieved of his duties after one season, with a record of nine wins from 41 games in all competitions.

His first game in charge of Cherries on a permanent basis will be Wednesday's clash with Cardiff City in the Championship at Vitality Stadium.