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Matt Ritchie retires from his playing career to take up new role at AFC Bournemouth

Matt Ritchie retires from his playing career to take up new the role of role Technical Director at AFC Bournemouth.

His youth career began at Portsmouth in 2002, before a senior career with the likes of Portsmouth, Dagenham & Redbridge, Notts County, Swindon Town, AFC Bournemouth, Newcastle and Reading, as well as appearances for Scotland.

But now, the decision has come to hang up his boots, explaining the reason behind it, and looking forward to the next chapter.

A club statement read:

AFC Bournemouth are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Ritchie as the club’s new Technical Director.

Ritchie, who made 142 appearances for the Cherries between 2013 and 2016, returns to Vitality Stadium in a senior leadership role following an outstanding playing career that spans across 17 years and which saw him part of sides competing in the Champions League, Premier League and English Football League.

The former winger played a pivotal role in some of the most successful periods in the club’s history, scoring 31 goals in a Cherries side that was promoted from both League One and the Championship.

Over recent years, Ritchie has completed a number of professional development and technical courses, while also regularly visiting AFC Bournemouth to gain further experience and insight into the club’s football structure, recruitment processes and performance environment.

In his new role, Ritchie will work closely with the football leadership team across recruitment, player pathways, squad planning and football strategy.

Speaking to afcb.co.uk on the appointment, the club’s President of Football Operations Tiago Pinto shared his delight: “Matt’s connection with AFC Bournemouth, combined with his experience throughout the game, makes him an excellent addition to the technical team and someone I’m looking forward to working with closely.

“As we continue to grow as a club, it is important that we maintain the DNA, values and identity that have brought us success. Matt will play an important role in helping us do that while also driving the club forward.”

Ritchie also commented: “AFC Bournemouth has always meant a huge amount to me, so to return in this capacity is incredibly special.

“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. Now I’ve met Marco, I’m even more excited about what is to come and look forward to working together.

“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. I’d like to emphasise my thanks to Bill [Foley], Ryan [Caswell] and Tiago [Pinto] for the opportunity and belief they’ve shown in me.”

Matt Ritchie said, as per Reading FC’s website: “It has come as a shock, but I am retiring for a good reason, I have a great opportunity to move into a role at Bournemouth which I couldn’t turn down and something I am really grateful for,” Matt told RoyalsTV.

“It made my decision for me. I am so grateful to the game, I have had a wonderful time. Football has given me everything and more than I ever wanted; friendships, relationships, taken me to countries I never thought I would go to and memories.

“To everyone who has played my part in my development and career – teammates, coaches, fans, they make the moments so special. It has been an amazing journey full of ups and downs but from each of those I have grown individually and collectively, with whichever team I was with.”

Speaking about his time in Berkshire, Matt admitted that things did not always go to plan, but the future is bright in blue and white.

“It didn’t go how I really wanted it to go, through context and many reasons. It has been a frustrating season for me personally and for the team. I came in off the back of no pre-season, took time to get up and running before having a few knocks and hurdles to overcome. I didn’t get momentum how I would have liked. I felt that when I played, I showed glimpses that I can still play, but it wasn’t to be.

“This opportunity has brought it to a close, but I leave with no regrets, I gave everything. The club has been fantastic and is in safe hands. I think it will have a big future and has huge potential. The squad is in a fantastic place with some really good, young talent and I’m excited to see their journeys and what they go on to achieve. I will look back on my time with Reading with an element of frustration personally, but I’m sure the club will move on to bigger and better things.

“The energy and feeling with the lads has been amazing. If I talk about when I was away from the pitch, to come into work every day with this young and fresh dressing room, lads who wanted to improve, it has been a joy and a pleasure. The memories of the season are trickling back, and we had some amazing moments together in and around this environment. I have only been at the club for one season but have created some really strong relationships.

“For me, we were so close but not quite, in moments, good enough. The future is bright for the football club. We have a hugely talented squad, and the manager has come in and given us real structure. I am sure they will be adding players to make us a real force going forwards. We have competition for places now and that can only be healthy. I see Reading challenging next season.

Matt replaces former Cherries teammate Simon Francis as Technical Director at Dean Court, a ground he called home for four years.

“I am going into the Technical Director role at Bournemouth, which I am so grateful for. A good friend of mine, Simon Francis, had been doing the role and since I moved home, I have been around Si and the club, developing relationships that has impressed in one way or another. I am really excited by it- I couldn’t have asked for a smoother transition.

“The club has just created history, the team has done unbelievably well and we are in Europe. It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down and one I am looking forward to finding my feet in. I am fresh out of the game, but football is football and I feel confident that I am passionate about the game and the football club. It is an exciting challenge for me.”

RITCHIE’S CAREER:

Youth
2002–2008 – Portsmouth

Senior
2008–2011 – Portsmouth – 10 games (0 goals)
2008–2009 → Dagenham & Redbridge (loan) – 41 games (12 goals)
2009–2010 → Notts County (loan) – 19 games (3 goals)
2010–2013 – Swindon Town – 129 games (28 goals)
2013–2016 – AFC Bournemouth – 142 games (31 goals)
2016–2024 – Newcastle United – 215 games (25 goals)
2024–2025 – Portsmouth – 41 games (5 goals)
2025–2026 – Reading – 29 games (1 goal)

International
2015–2018 – Scotland – 16 games (3 goals)

Here’s how fans reacted as Matt Ritchie retires from his playing career to take up a new role at AFC Bournemouth…

@TFTSE: Welcome back Mr Ritchie. Still remember that goal v Sunderland like it was yesterday. Who’s the next old #AFCB boy to come back? Charlie Daniels? Callum Wilson? John Bailey 😁

@FatBlerk: I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I’d be reading Matt Ritchie and Technical Director in the same sentence #afcb

@jxmes_070: I’ll be honest, Matt Ritchie was the last person I’d have thought would replace Francis. But I trust the club 🙏 #afcb

@simplyafcb: 🍒 Me and my colleagues met him at a bar and we watched the FA Cup final (when Palace won it) And genuinely the nicest guy ever. Spoke to him like he was a mate watching some football. From an #afcb perspective, good to see a former player take on a role, and a personal perspective, well deserved. Lovely character to be around. ❤️🍒

@MarkHopgoo46439: He’s been a fantastic player over the years. I am glad he’s off the wage bill, but I had hoped he’d stay on as a coach. Good luck in your new career and thanks for that header.

@hayrr: corner flags everywhere marked safe from matt ritchie

@davez2010: Happy retirement Matt Ritchie 🥳👏🏾👏🏾 this lad saw us through some rough days and won us points big points to keep us in the league. Corner flags are safe 😎 #NUFC ⚫️⚪️

@ExiledGooner: “We’ve got Matt Ritchie (again), he’s £#@!&% quality..” 😉😬😂😂😂🍒🍒

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