Carl Fletcher has been appointed as AFC Bournemouth’s new loan player manager.

The 38-year-old former Cherries midfielder has taken up the new role with immediate effect, having previously been the club’s under-23s manager.

As loan player manager, Fletcher will monitor players from the first team and under-23 squads who are out on loan.

He will liaise and communicate between AFC Bournemouth and various departments at each player’s loan club, including coaching, medical, sports science and analysis, to ensure a smooth transition and a successful spell.

"I’m really excited about the role," explained Fletcher.

"I’ve been working with the under-18s and under-23s at the club for five years and have really enjoyed seeing the lads come through the system, watching them develop as players and people.

"Now it is time for the next step and when the role came up it was something that appealed to me.

"I’m really looking forward to getting out there and experiencing another part of the football world, visiting the players who are out on loan and making sure they are being looked after properly."

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: "Making use of the loan system has become a key part of developing our players over the last few years.

"Therefore, this is a very important role within the structure of the club and one that we have been looking at for some time.

"It was crucial we got the right person and I am delighted to appoint Carl, who we believe is the perfect fit for the position, given his wealth of knowledge and experience both as a player and a coach."

Following Fletcher’s appointment, Shaun Cooper will take charge of AFC Bournemouth Under-23s until the end of the season, assisted by Mark Molesley.