LONDON, June 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Bournemouth have appointed former player Matt Ritchie as their new technical director, the Premier League club announced Monday.

The 36-year-old replaces former team-mate Simon Francis in the role after ending his playing career with Reading last season.

Former Scotland international Ritchie scored 31 goals in 142 appearances for the Cherries between 2013 and 2016, helping the club climb from third-tier League One to the Premier League.

Bournemouth will play in a major European competition for the first time in their history next season when they take part in the Europa League under new head coach Marco Rose after finishing sixth in the Premier League during the reign of his predecessor, Andoni Iraola.

"It's with a great amount of gratitude that I return in such a successful era," Ritchie told Bournemouth's website. "I look forward to working alongside Marco and his technical staff, supporting them in every way possible as we aim to create even more history together."

Bournemouth announced in April that German manager Rose would succeed Iraola, shortly after the Spaniard revealed his intention to leave the south coast club at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Iraola was appointed manager of English giants Liverpool last week after the Reds sacked Arne Slot following a woeful defence of their Premier League title.