CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe admitted his decision to release “fierce winner” Ian Harte had been “extremely difficult”.

Harte was one of six players told this week he would not be offered fresh terms after Howe announced his retained list.

The experienced defender, who turns 38 in August, was a key figure during Cherries’ second-half revival last season in his first year at Dean Court.

Harte joined Cherries on a free transfer following his release by Reading and made 24 appearances as the Dorset club marked their return to the second flight with a 10th-place finish.

The Republic of Ireland international and former Leeds favourite was used sparingly this season but featured prominently in Cherries’ League Cup run to the quarter-finals.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It was a very difficult decision. Ian has been a truly outstanding player for us in the two years we have had him. He has been magnificent off the pitch as well.

“When we went up to the Championship, we felt we needed some experience and players who had been there and could help the younger guys in the squad.

"Ian fulfilled that role perfectly and also played a major part in our very good run towards the end of last season when he was excellent.

“It is really unfortunate that you have to lose very good people along you way on the journey. We will be sad to lose Ian but also very thankful to him for his time with us.

“I have always maintained that you don’t achieve success with just 11 players, you achieve it with your whole squad. Those players who aren’t necessarily playing week in, week out are just as important as the ones who are.

"They set the tone for the work ethic, team spirit and camaraderie of the squad and Ian has always been a positive guy with a very good outlook.

“He is also a fierce winner and, even in a training game or a five-a-side, he would always set the example of wanting to win.

"You can’t have enough of those people with those characteristics around you so that is why he has been so important.”