IAN Harte revealed his disappointment at his Cherries exit but insisted he had been privileged to play a part in the Dean Court revolution.

The experienced left-back was on Wednesday announced as one of six players to be released by Cherries ahead of the club's maiden stint in the Premier League.

Harte has enjoyed a distinguished career to date which has included appearances in the World Cup with the Republic of Ireland as well as outings in the Champions League semi-final and the UEFA Cup semi-final with Leeds.

And the 37-year-old, also a two-time winner of the Championship, said the Cherries squad had been a pleasure to be a part of.

Harte told the Cherries website: “I was really disappointed when I found out because I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club - this is one of the best groups of lads I have worked with.

“The gaffer (Eddie Howe) has been blessed with the group of lads he has had working for him. There haven’t been any bad eggs and it’s just shown in performances this year and, hopefully, it can carry on into the next season as well.

“He told me it was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make and whilst I am absolutely devastated to be leaving I also understand that next year in the Premier League, there will only be a 25-man squad list. I understand that as a manager you have to make these tough decisions.

“But he was good enough to take me to Bournemouth and I’m delighted I played a part in the team’s success this year.

“A lot of success has to come down to him because the players he brought in were the right kind of characters and we pulled in the same direction to achieve something great.

“Those that played the majority of the season will get the praise but you need a strong squad to achieve it. They are a special group and I am just delighted to have been a part of it for two years."