EDDIE Howe thanked Sylvain Distin for the key role he had played in helping Cherries preserve their Premier League status after confirming the veteran defender would be leaving the club.

Distin, who made 17 appearances in all competitions, signed a one-year deal last summer and will not be extending his stay once his contract has come to an end next month.

The Frenchman linked up with Cherries for his 16th consecutive season in the top flight and was honoured by the Premier League in November when he became the first foreign outfield player to make 450 starts in the competition.

He was unfortunate to lose his place when he was taken ill ahead of Cherries’ memorable 1-0 win at Chelsea in December, having helped steady the ship after being drafted in for his debut in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland in September.

Distin made nine starts and three appearances from the bench in the Premier League and also featured in all five games in the FA Cup and League Cup.

Cherries boss Howe told the Daily Echo: “Sylvain was a vital part of our squad throughout the season.

“Going into the Premier League, we felt bringing in someone with vast experience and knowledge of the division would be hugely beneficial to our squad and give them someone to lean on. Sylvain played that role perfectly.

“He was a good sounding board for the players and someone they could ask questions.

“He also played his part on the pitch and was involved in some pivotal games. For example, he came on after we had gone down to 10 men at Leicester and helped us gain a valuable point. There were some key moments when we picked up points and Sylvain was part of the team.

“He was rewarded with his appearance record in the Premier League and that speaks volumes for how he has looked after his body.

“The fact he is still able to play at the very highest level is true testament to all the little things he does every day.

“He showed a lot of the other players within the squad how to manage yourself and your body to give yourself the best opportunity to perform. It was a really good experience for the other players to have worked with him for a year and I would like to thank him for his efforts.”

Howe, meanwhile, confirmed talks were ongoing with goalkeeper Artur Boruc regarding the possibility of him extending his stay with Cherries.

Boruc, who kept seven clean sheets in 32 games in the Premier League, triggered an appearance-related clause entitling him to a new contract.

Fellow goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, who came on as a substitute during Cherries’ 3-3 draw against Everton and served Wycombe and Portsmouth on loan last season, has been offered a new two-year deal, while Stephane Zubar, who has not featured for the club under Howe, has left following the expiry of his contract.

Under-21 quartet Josh Carmichael, Josh Wakefield, Mason Walsh and Jon Muleba will also leave the club following their end of their respective contracts next month.