Ex-Wanderer Gary O’Neil has been appointed as first-team coach of Championship side Bournemouth.

The 37-year-old, no stranger to that part of the world after his time with Portsmouth, has been working as Liverpool Under-23s assistant boss this season.

O’Neil played with Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate during his time at Middlesbrough.

Bolton’s Player of the Year in the Championship in 2018-19, O'Neil impressed as Wanderers slipped into League One and returned when out of contract during the following pre-season.

But a minor injury saw him miss the final part of preparations for the 2019-20 season meaning he ultimately drifted into retirement earlier than planned, at one point being recommended for a coaching role with the Whites by former boss Phil Parkinson.

He made 31 appearances for Bolton in all competitions, scoring three goals.

Woodgate was this week appointed as Jason Tindall’s replacement as Cherries head coach having been in interim charge, the club looking to make a return to the Premier League.

Woodgate told Bournemouth’s website: “I’ve known Gary for a number of years, having played with him at Middlesbrough.

“He comes highly recommended from Liverpool and has a great knowledge of the game and an appetite to never stop learning.

“Gary is going to bring something different to the coaching staff. He’s a new voice to the players, someone who has no connection to Bournemouth and I believe that an outside pair of eyes are important for us.

“I’m really looking forward to Gary joining our staff.”

Bournemouth will be hoping to tap into O’Neil’s experience that saw him promoted from the Championship four times, playing in the Premier League for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham United and Norwich City.