Premier League: Bournemouth appoints Matt Ritchie as technical director after retirement

Former Bournemouth midfielder Matt Ritchie has been ​appointed as the club’s technical director ‌after announcing his retirement from ​professional football, the ⁠Premier League club said on Monday.

The 36-year-old will rejoin his former ‌club in a new role after League One ‌side Reading confirmed he had ‌called ⁠time on his playing ⁠career, bringing his two-year contract to an early end.

“AFC Bournemouth has always ​meant a ‌huge amount to me, so to return in this capacity is incredibly special,” Ritchie ‌said in a statement. “I’ve spent ​a long time preparing for what’s next for ⁠me after playing, learning from experienced people across the game ‌and developing my understanding of the technical and strategic side of football.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and can’t wait to begin working with the ‌staff, players and ownership group as ​we continue building for the future.”

Ritchie made 142 ⁠appearances for Bournemouth, scoring 31 goals. ⁠The Scotland international also played for Newcastle United ‌and was part of the Champions League.

Published on Jun 08, 2026