Bournemouth Technical Director Hughes to step down at end of season

BOURNEMOUTH Technical Director Richard Hughes will step down after a decade at the end of this season

The 44-year-old made 185 appearances for the Cherries during two spells as a player. Following retirement in the summer of 2014, he then joined the club’s recruitment set-up, before becoming Technical Director in 2016.

Hughes forged a close relationship with former manager Eddie Howe as both a player and staff member at the Vitality. Howe’s current club, Newcastle United, are on the look-out for a new Sporting Director after Dan Ashworth informed them of his desire to join Manchester United.

After the club announced his impending departure, Hughes said: “Working for Bournemouth has always been a source of great joy and pride for me. Initially representing the club as a player and then subsequently in a football leadership role, I count every moment I’ve spent here as a blessing.

“As Technical Director, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated individuals the game can offer. It’s been 10 challenging, enjoyable and rewarding years in this post.

“The journey we have been on, as a club, is nothing short of remarkable. Where we are currently, on and off the pitch, assures me the future is bright. The club requires a healthy lead-up time to plan for the summer and beyond so this is the right time to announce that I will be leaving at the end of the season.

Chairman Bill Foley added: "I'm very grateful for Richard's outstanding service to this football club. His contribution in helping to deliver competitive teams for us over the years is no better highlighted than by our status as a Premier League club for seven of the last nine seasons. I wish him the very best for the future.”

Bournemouth are one of the few clubs to have an Assistant Technical Director in Simon Francis, who was appointed in June 2021.

READ MORE: Bournemouth staff profiles