FORMER Cherries manager Sean O’Driscoll has linked up with his old player Brian Stock at National League side Weymouth, joining Stock’s backroom staff at the Dorset club.

The two worked together at Cherries, before O'Driscoll brought the Welsh international with him to his next club, Doncaster Rovers.

O’Driscoll, who had a 22-year-long association with Cherries after initially joining in 1984, had most recently been at League One Portsmouth as Head of Academy Coaching, but left the role at the end of September.

With O’Driscoll relocating back to Dorset, Stock quickly moved to bring in his old mentor to a Terras side fighting for survival in England’s fifth tier.

Stock told Weymouth’s website: “I have known Sean since I joined AFC Bournemouth as an apprentice back in 1996, where I went on to play hundreds of games under his guidance.

“Sean has always been a coach that myself and many others have admired. His work ethic and ability to develop an understanding, whether for an individual or collectively as a team, is the best I’ve witnessed in the 24 years I’ve been involved in football.

“He will bring a wealth of knowledge to our young playing squad and backroom staff for everyone to tap into having worked with some of the best up and coming talent in the country with England Under 19s, assisting Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and managing many Football League games at the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Doncaster, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, to name a few.

“We have been through many highs and lows throughout the 15 years we have worked together. I’m delighted to be able to welcome a man of Sean’s calibre to Weymouth FC as part of my management team.”

Whilst O’Driscoll has not been given a formal title for his role, it has been revealed that it is on a non-contract basis.

O’Driscoll stated: “I’ve known and worked with Brian since he was 15. As a player he had great football intelligence and led by example with his performances.

“He is at the start of his coaching and managing career and if he wants to use me as a sounding board, as someone to challenge him or give him a different viewpoint on things I’m happy for him to do so.

“Brian will determine where and how he thinks I can add most value. We’ve been through a lot together and he knows he will always get honesty from me and that I will always respect and back him for having the courage of his own convictions too. I’m looking forward to working with him again in whatever way he thinks I can help.”

O’Driscoll will be in the dug-out this weekend, as Weymouth travel to National South Hungerford in the third round of the FA Trophy.