Academy boss Joe Roach to leave Bournemouth

JOE ROACH, Bournemouth’s long-serving Academy manager and head of coaching, is to leave the club at the end of June for personal reasons.

Roach has spent two spells at Bournemouth spanning more than 13 years. The first, from 2001 to 2011, was as head of youth and reserve team manager, during which time he brought through strikers Danny Ings and Sam Vokes.

Roach then left to work as an auditor assessing Premier League academies for two years, before returning to the Vitality in January 2014. By then, the club was a vastly different place, and it went on to achieve Premier League status for the first time under the guidance of manager Eddie Howe.

Defender Baily Cargill has been the most prominent player to graduate from academy to first team during Roach’s second spell at the club.

“I wish the very best to all the Academy players and their families, and hope all their aspirations are accomplished.”

Howe added: “We are very sad to be losing Joe. His work ethic and commitment to the role has been unquestionable and he has always acted in the best interests of all the young players at the football club.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Joe for his long and distinguished service to AFC Bournemouth.”

And chief executive Neill Blake said: “Joe has played a key role in developing young players and bringing them through the system here.

“Last month, Baily Cargill became the first Academy graduate to play in the Premier League and that is something Joe should be extremely proud of – as we all are.

“Thirteen years is a long time for anyone to be affiliated to one club, and I believe that granting Joe a testimonial is befitting of his loyalty and dedication to AFC Bournemouth.”