EX-Cherries trio Sam Vokes, Josh McQuoid and Jordan Rose have offered a public vote of thanks to mentor Joe Roach.

The triumvirate, whom progressed through the Dean Court youth ranks under Roach’s tutelage, have expressed their “shock” at his sudden departure from the club.

Although Roach parted company with Cherries by mutual consent last month, he later admitted he had not wanted to leave the club.

Roach was responsible for nurturing a wealth of talent during his 10 years at the club, with Vokes, McQuoid and Rose all going on to play professionally.

The trio, whom all attended Priestlands School in Lymington, were in the same Cherries intake and have enjoyed differing fortunes in their respective careers.

Vokes left Cherries following a £300,000 move to Wolves in May 2008, going on to play in the Premier League and earn international honours with Wales.

McQuoid, who joined Millwall in a deal worth around £550,000 to Cherries 11 months ago, now plies his trade in the Championship and is a Northern Ireland international.

And despite failing to earn a professional contract with Cherries, Rose eventually made the grade when he was snapped up by Stockport County.

In a collective statement issued exclusively to the Daily Echo, the trio said: “We were all very shocked to learn of the news of Joe’s departure, especially after what he had accomplished there.

“Over the years, Joe had done a remarkable job for AFC Bournemouth, producing a high number of successful players that have gone on to play for the club at first team and reserve level and also gone on to have careers in the game.

“As well as us, people like James Rowe, James Coutts, Brett Pitman, Jamie Whisken, Curtis Allen, Scott Sampson, Aidan Sainsbury, Joe Partington, Matt Paterson, Matt Finlay, Billy Franks, Danny Reeve, Danny Ings, Tom Hill and Matt Vokes have all benefited from Joe’s help.

“We are extremely grateful and indebted to Joe for what he has done for us in our careers. He has been one of the most influential and memorable people we have ever had the privilege to work with.

“Joe knows the game inside-out and we have always felt that he could coach and manage football at a higher level.

“He showed just how capable he was when he took caretaker charge of AFC Bournemouth after Kevin Bond’s dismissal and we are sure that, whatever he goes on to do, he will achieve great things.

“Joe’s passion and attitude about football is what makes him different and any club would be privileged to have him working for them. This was the main thing we took with us after our time with Joe.

“We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Joe for all he has done for us and wish him all the luck in the world when he decides his future.”