Defender Shaun Hobson has reunited with former Cherries coach Mark Molesley at League Two outfit Southend United.
Hobson, who also played under new Shrimpers boss Molesley at Weymouth, has completed a permanent move to Roots Hall.
Manchester-born Hobson joined the Cherries after impressing during a trial in 2016 and has been an integral member of the club’s under-21 squad.
During his four-year stay at Vitality Stadium, the 22-year-old had loan spells with Eastbourne Borough, Chester, Eastleigh and Weymouth.
He netted twice in 34 starts for the Terras last season as they clinched a place in the National League after winning the National South play-offs – a second successive promotion under Molesley.
Molesley’s exploits with the Dorset club prompted Southend to move for him last month, the former Cherries midfielder appointed manager as Sol Campbell’s successor.
Hobson, who joined the Cherries following his release by Burnley, has trained regularly with the first team and was an unused substitute in the FA Cup third-round replay defeat by Wigan in January 2018.
As a youngster, Hobson played for Fletcher Moss Rangers and was a team-mate of Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford at the Manchester-based youth football club.
Shrewsbury Town defender Ro-Shaun Williams was another team-mate of Hobson’s at the club which also produced Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck.
AFC Bournemouth would like to wish Shaun well with his new club and thank him for his efforts during four years at Vitality Stadium.
