MATT Harrold will join Cherries next season after leaving his role as first-team coach at Leyton Orient.

Former professional striker Harrold played for a host of clubs throughout his career, including Yeovil Town, Bristol Rovers and Crawley Town.

Harrold played one season in the Championship, with Southend United in the 2006-07 campaign.

He notably scored against Cherries twice in the ‘Great Escape’ 2008-09 League Two season, including in Eddie Howe’s first game as permanent boss at Dean Court.

Harrold, 39, joined Leyton Orient as a player in 2017 before moving onto the coaching staff, helping the east London club progress up from the National League to League One.

It has not been confirmed what role Harrold will take up at Cherries, but is understood to be more on the boardroom side, alongside new technical director Simon Francis. The pair played together at Southend between 2006 and 2008.

He is currently serving as a first-team coach with the O’s.

Orient chairman Nigel Travis said of Harrold: “He has been a fantastic ambassador for our club both on and off the pitch over the last seven years and he will be sorely missed by everyone.”

Director of football Martin Ling added: “Matt is a brilliant football man and I have no doubt that he will be a great success in his new role.

“We are gutted to be losing him as he is a big character around the club but he goes with our best wishes.

“He has contributed a huge amount to Leyton Orient in the last seven years, probably more than he realises, and I hope that he is proud of his achievements here.”