SHAUN Cooper is helping more than just young players at Cherries – with manager Scott Parker grateful for the support he has shown him since arriving at the club.

Parker has promoted multiple members of Cherries’ development squad to the first team, with Cooper helping the transition from age-group football to senior football as smooth as possible.

Detailing the help he has received from Cooper, Parker stated: “Shaun’s been fantastic to be quite honest with you, in terms of being around us and helping us when I need help from Shaun in terms of bringing these young boys over.

“He’s constantly diligent, you can tell he’s a guy that’s constantly learning. He certainly wants to come over and put fresh ideas across or get an understanding of what we want at certain moments.

“He’s replicating that with the young lads as well as well as thinking about their own personal development, which is a bit more niche.

"Shaun’s been superb since I’ve come in in many ways really. As always, I’m pleased to have him around really.”

There was also praise from Parker for under-18s head coach, Alan Connell, and the success his side achieved last term.

Connell led the under-18s to the EFL Youth Alliance league title last term, as well as reaching the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Speaking about the under-18s, Parker said: "Massive success. It’s no mean feat.

"I’ve been very complimentary of the academy guys. They’ve done a fantastic job.

"You see the boys that we’ve brought through this year and given them their chance.

"That ultimately comes and starts from those boys who have nurtured them and put the real standards into those players really.

"So full credit to them. I was delighted they managed to win the league."