Swindon Town legend Matt Ritchie has retired from playing and taken up the role of Technical Director at his former club, AFC Bournemouth. After 18 years in professional football, Ritchie has officially called time on his playing career following a final season at Reading. The 36-year-old initially joined Swindon Town on loan in February 2010, although was limited to four substitute appearances before being recalled to be part of Portsmouth's Premier League squad. Ritchie's career would really take off under Paolo Di Canio, as he became the star of the title-winning 2011/12 season, scoring multiple exceptional goals. He was named League Two Player of the Season, and the step up in level for 2012/13 made no difference, with multiple sensational goals and match-winning performances continuing to come. Ritchie has decided to move on from football to be part of the backroom staff at Bournemouth as they prepare for Europa League football for the first time. He will be focused on recruitment, player pathways, squad planning, and overall football strategy in his new role. Ritchie will be working alongside Tiago Pinto, the former AS Roma general manager, in running the sporting side of the club. He retires having made almost 200 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United and Bournemouth, as well as having played internationally for Scotland. Few players in Swindon Town's modern history have performed at the same level as Ritchie, and many will have fond memories of his goalscoring and partnership with Paul Caddis down the right. Ritchie's move to AFC Bournemouth, believed to be around £500,000, ended his time at Swindon Town and also brought about Di Canio's exit not long after. He has now started a new chapter in his career, and Swindon Town fans will be eager to see how he performs in his new role.