CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe paid tribute to “brilliant” Rhoys Wiggins after the full-back today announced his retirement.

The 30-year-old, who re-joined the club from Sheffield Wednesday two-and-a-half years ago, was stretchered off after sustaining a serious knee injury against Aston Villa during a loan spell at Birmingham in October 2016.

Despite undergoing surgery on three separate occasions, the former Wales under-21 international has been forced to call time on his career.

In an open letter to fans confirming his announcement, Wiggins also revealed he sustained a fractured skull in an accident after his first operation.

He described as "the most challenging time of my life" his recent spell on the sidelines.

Howe told the club website: “I’m really sad for Rhoys. Whenever a career ends prematurely it is always a sad moment.

“Rhoys has played a really important role in our recent history. When we were fighting to stay in the Football League, he signed on loan for us from Crystal Palace and was excellent.

“He played a big part in that season, which was a key turning point in the club’s history and then came back to the club permanently and did really well.

“I always rated him really highly as a player, both for us and when he lined up against us.

“The really sad thing is that he ended up getting a couple of really serious injuries that unfortunately meant he never got to play in his latest spell for us and never got to play in the Premier League.

“But behind the scenes he has been brilliant and contributed in loads of different ways.

“He has been a really good, positive influence around the players who have been playing and we wish him well now in the next stage of his life.”

Wiggins was one of Howe’s first signings in management when he joined Cherries on loan from Crystal Palace in January 2009, helping the club preserve its Football League status.

He returned for a second loan spell and played a key role as Cherries won promotion from League Two in 2010 before signing permanently and helping the club reach the League One play-offs the following season.

After departing for Charlton in 2011 the Uxbridge-born left-back returned almost five years later, having sealed a reported £200,000 move from the Owls.

Injury meant Wiggins failed to make an appearance during his latest spell with Cherries. He played 72 times throughout his time with the Dorset club.

Cherries’ chief executive Neill Blake also told the club website: “Rhoys has been a great servant to the club over three spells and I would like to thank him for his commitment and contribution during that time.

“He has been a very good player and his character and personality have always been very positive, even in some difficult times.

“It will never be forgotten that Rhoys played an important part in our journey to the Premier League and he will always be welcome back here with open arms.”