WADE Elliott has taken charge of Bristol City’s under-21s, describing it as “an excellent opportunity” to progress his career.

The Southampton-born midfielder landed a dream move to AFC Bournemouth from non-League Bashley on the recommendation of ex-Saint Jimmy Case back in February 2000.

He has since totted 706 professional appearances with Cherries, Burnley, Birmingham City and, latterly Bristol City, where he captained the Robins to Sky Bet League One and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy glory last term.

Elliott has now retired from playing, aged 36, to take up the coaching role under Steve Cotterill at Ashton Gate after scoring 80 goals across a 15-year career as a professional.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision,” said Elliott. “Over the summer my mind was naturally leaning more towards the coaching job and how I would approach that.

“I didn’t start until I was 19 or 20 years old, so when I played my first game that was a dream come true.

“To have managed 700-odd games is something I’m really grateful for and I’m thankful to have had a career that was beyond my wildest expectations.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that has come my way and am looking forward to getting stuck into that.”

City boss Cotterill has every faith in Elliott’s ability to succeed.

“I’m delighted Wade has accepted the job,” he said.

“Wadey has been taking his coaching badges with a view to becoming a manager or coach after his playing career had finished.

“In truth, this opportunity has probably come a little earlier than expected for him because I know he could go on and do a job for a few League One teams.

“However, it’s nice that he has accepted because it shows what he thinks of me and the set-up here.”