Faria joins Bournemouth in backroom shake-up
Written by Simon Austin — November 11, 2018
FORMER Portugal Under-20 player Hugo Faria has joined Bournemouth as first-team assistant coach.
The 35-year-old, who holds the Uefa A Licence, joins from Portuguese third division side Louletano Desportos Clube. He also has coaching experience in the youth set-ups at Livingston and Airdrieonians and speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English.
Manager Eddie Howe said: “We wanted to bring in someone with the ability to speak different languages and who has experience of different footballing cultures and styles.
“It is very important that we are always open to new ideas and ways of working, and continually expanding our horizons.
“Hugo brings a positivity and vibrancy to the group and as soon as I met him, I knew he would be someone who would really complement our coaching staff.”
Meanwhile, former Cherries midfielder Carl Fletcher has taken up the new role of loans manager. He will monitor players from the first team and under-23 squads who are out on loan.
"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 added: "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."
Shaun Cooper will take charge of AFC Bournemouth U23s until the end of the season, assisted by Mark Molesley.