JUNIOR Stanislas is set to take on a coaching role in Cherries’ academy, after announcing his retirement from playing last week.

The 33-year-old called time on his career after a spate of injuries hampered his game-time in recent years.

Stanislas joined Cherries from Burnley in 2014 and made 179 appearances for the club, scoring 38 goals.

His last outing saw him find the net in a 4-1 win over Everton in the Carabao Cup in November 2022.

Asked why now felt the right time to retire, Stanislas told BBC Radio Solent: “The injury really, along with a few others over the last year or two.

“But now this one is pretty serious and a bit more of a struggle to get back from, because it involved all the nerves and stuff like that.

“It’s a disc problem in my back which affected all my nerve function down my legs and into my foot.

“I couldn’t lift my foot off the ground for a good while. So it was a pretty serious one, but it is improving now, slowly but surely.

“So I think now is the right time for me to hang the boots up, so to speak.”

He added: “I pretty much knew immediately it was going to be a long road to recovery after this one. So I kind of decided almost at the back end of last season really that that was the case.

“But I thought I’ll see how the off-season goes and if it does feel like it’s improving and getting better quite quickly, then I’ll have a look at it.

“But that wasn’t the case. It’s still not amazing now. I made that decision a little while ago.”

Stanislas has been spotted alongside Cherries’ assistant technical director Simon Francis in recent months, taking in first team and development squad matches.

Looking ahead to his next steps and asked if there is a job at the club waiting for him, the Londoner said: “Yes, it seems like it’s lined up.

“We’ve got a few final checks and things to get in place and hopefully I can start soon. It will be academy at some capacity.

“I’m mentally prepared. I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited about it.

“They (the club) have been brilliant with me, especially since stopping playing.

“I’ve spent quite a lot of time in person and on the phone with Franno.

“I’ve had conversations with Richard Hughes and Neill Blake, who have both been very supportive. I can’t ask for much more, to be honest.”

Stanislas looks set to join the growing list of former players taking on roles in the academy, with the likes of Brett Pitman and Andrew Surman already working with the club’s youngsters.