IN A twist of footballing fate, former Cherries defender Billy Clark leads his Bristol Rovers side into their FA Youth Cup clash next week barely a mile from where he was born.

Clark, now manager of Rovers' Under-18s, was born in Flambard Avenue, Christchurch, little more than a stone's throw from Hurn Bridge.

So Wednesday night's journey to face Priory's youngsters in the first round tie will be a familiar one for the ex-Twynham schoolboy.

The 40-year-old, who was with Cherries from the age of 13 before leaving in 1987 after four first team appearances, went on to play almost 250 League games for the Pirates in a 10-year spell.

Despite being a local lad, Clark has no links with Christchurch FC, with his main footballing memories as a youngster coming via Cherries, firstly as an eight-year-old fan stood behind the goal with his dad, then as a player.

Clark took on his new job after calling time on his playing career, which had seen him turn out for a number of non-league sides including Exeter City, Clevedon Town and finally Weston-super-Mare.He sees the Hurn Bridge clash as a "potential banana skin" for Rovers.

"We don't know how they play and we won't know that going into it," he admitted.

"But we've come up against that this season and adjust as we go along."

Having come through the youth ranks with Cherries, Clark is well aware of the pressures facing young players and he is aiming to pass on his experience to Rovers' next generation of stars.

"My time at Bournemouth was quite nerve-wracking, I sympathise with our lads now," he told the Daily Echo.

"You live year to year worrying about contracts so it's quite a worrying time. I keep trying to emphasise to our lads the need to focus on what they're doing.

"That's what I remember from Bournemouth - trying to focus and stay dedicated. When I first joined I don't think anyone thought I'd make a career out of it but it paid dividends in the end."

Having grown up as a Cherries fan, Clark shares the concerns of many supporters as the Dean Court club sit bottom of League One.

"The financial difficulties never seem to get resolved," added Clark, who still has family living in Dorset.

"I feel for them and share the fans' feelings, it's quite a concern I'd imagine."