ALAN Connell says he feels “humbled and honoured” to have been named Cherries’ new development squad manager.

Connell will step up from his role with the under-18s, to replace Shaun Cooper, who in turn has moved to a first-team coaching role, under new boss Gary O’Neil.

Former Cherries striker Connell returned to Vitality Stadium in a coaching capacity in 2015, becoming under-18s head coach two years later.

Speaking to afcbTV about his move up to the development squad, Connell said: “I’m very proud, feel very humbled and honoured that the club have offered me this role and decided to put their faith and trust in me, as they have done for a number of years obviously in my previous role.

“I’m very excited and it’s just carrying on really the work that was done before, be it with slightly older players, but players that I know ever so well having worked with them before.

“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going.”

Discussing his working relationship with Cooper and Tommy Elphick, who has also moved up from development squad to first team, Connell added: “I feel like I was living and breathing it with them anyway, because the under-18s and the under-21s are so interlinked every day anyway.

“Coops is one of my best friends and we’re obviously very close and Tommy came in a year ago and has given the whole place a lift as well because of his character and experience and knowledge that he has.

“So I am fortunate to have good working relationships with them as well. In particular Coops, who has done an incredible job with the development squad.

“We share all our ideas. We speak every night on the phone, talking about players and sessions and everything.

“We’ve got that relationship, which I think has served the club well over the last few years and hopefully that continues for the next few years.”

Connell’s first game in charge was due to be at Tadley Calleva in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night, but the game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Cherries’ development squad next face a crunch Premier League Cup clash at Queens Park Rangers on Friday.