Eddie Howe has left his role as manager of AFC Bournemouth, less than a week after the club was relegated from the Premier League.
The 42-year-old, managed the Cherries in more than 450 games across two spells at the Vitality Stadium, spanning more than a decade.
A statement on the club's website on Saturday evening said the decision was made between him and club officials.
Howe, who made over 300 appearances as a player for the Cherries penned an open letter to supporters.
In it he said,
“Having spent a total of 25 years with the club as both a player and a manager this decision - made together with the club - is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make.
“However, although the affection and love I have for this football club will always remain, we collectively feel that now is the right time for the club to go in a new direction.
“Bournemouth will always be in my heart, but I firmly believe that now is the right time for the club to have a change.
“I have always ensured that every decision I have ever made as manager has been in the best interests of the club and its supporters, and this is no different.”
Meanwhile AFC Bournemouth CEO Neill Blake commented on the decision saying,
"Eddie Howe is synonymous with this football club, both as a player and a manager, and that will never change.
“He is quite simply an AFC Bournemouth legend, having helped transform the identity and history of the club.
“Myself, our owner Maxim Demin and the board’s gratitude and appreciation for Eddie’s achievements cannot and will never be underestimated.
“A decision like this cannot be taken lightly, which is why this has been discussed together at length over the past few days. It is even harder given our close personal friendship.
“We wish Eddie well for whatever the future holds and hope he enjoys some much-deserved and well-earned time with his family.”
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