Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is happy with Carl Fletcher's new promotion.

As loan manager, Fletcher's post involves monitoring players from the first team and under-21 squads who are spending time away from the Dorset club.

The former Cherries captain had previously been in charge of the under-21 side.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It's a hugely important role – look how many players we have on loan now.

“Those players are an extension of us – we care about them, we want them to be happy in their environment, developing and getting everything they need from their loan experience.

“Having someone who knows the club, understands football and has played at the highest level can only benefit those players so I think it's a massive role for us.

“It's something we needed to do as we look to get bigger and treat our players with the utmost importance.

“We had someone doing the role for us last season who did it very well but I think Carl will add a different spin on it, purely from having been a professional footballer and having moved clubs himself.

“I think he will understand how the player feels and what he needs."