Young To Retire In May - Stalwart set for Australian coaching career

Club stalwart Neil Young has announced that he is to retire at the end of the season. The thirty-four year old has enjoyed fourteen seasons at the south coast club and has amassed over 500 appearances under three different Managers.

Knee and ankle injuries later in his career have stopped him beating Steve Fletcher's all time appearance record. And although a quieter character off the pitch than Big Fletch, Young will be remembered just as fondly as his long time team mate and friend.

Young is the only member of this season's squad who was present the last time Cherries entered into Administration in 1997. That season the club was saved and Cherries enjoyed a Wembley Cup final within twelve months.

Although currently out of action, Young may play a part in what could be a far greater relegation escape than during his first season at the club in the 1994/1995 campaign. And he'll he hoping as much as anyone, that the club enjoys a bright future.

Young and his family are set to emigrate to Adelaide in the summer where the popular defender will take up a soccer school coaching role. Saturday's home match with Bristol Rovers not only gives an excellent opportunity to support the team in the bid for League One survival, but to emphasise to Youngy how much his contribution in the last fourteen years means to the fans.

An indepth interview with Neil is available to read in today's Daily Echo.