LONG-serving Charlie Daniels is adamant Cherries are better off for their summer shake-up – even if it pains him to admit it.

The 30-year-old left-back, signed from Leyton Orient in November 2011 when the Dorset club plied its trade in League One, continues to be a first-team regular after a closed season of significant change.

Senior stars such as Tommy Elphick and Matt Ritchie departed with former mainstays Eunan O’Kane and Shaun MacDonald among the others to move on to pastures new.

But with Eddie Howe bringing in household names like England international Jack Wilshere and club-record signing Jordon Ibe, Daniels reluctantly admitted Cherries had taken things to another level.

Daniels told the Daily Echo: “I think we have added some real quality.

“Signing a couple of England internationals at their respective levels has really raised the bar but we still expect them to play our way with that high tempo and aggression which we showed at the weekend.

“I like the way Jordon is starting to put his stamp on things, he is really getting to know our game and improving with every match and Jack slotted on nicely so I feel we are better as a squad.

“It is painful to admit that in a way because the lads that have left are not only my mates but top players as well.

“But football is a business and whatever the reasons are when people move on, that is just the way it goes. We all know that.

“What I would say is those players have been integral and a massive part in getting this club to where it is.

“We should never lose sight of what they did for us.”

Ibe produced a lively display as Cherries secured their first Premier League win of the season against West Brom on Saturday and Daniels reckons things will only get better for the new faces.

“It is a tough couple of weeks when you first come in,” he added.

“To adapt to the way we play and train is hard, it is not only about getting new players on to the pitch and working them hard, the load that goes through their bodies is a lot to take.

“If you’re not used to it, you can pick up injuries so while we try to get them up to speed quickly, everyone realises that it doesn’t always happen overnight.

“Everyone at the club has managed that really well and if we can continue making progress in those areas, we will be fine.

“If we keep playing with the same aggressive attitude, vigour and quick tempo, I see no reason why we cannot stay in this division.

“We hadn’t started in the way we wanted to and have not had the rub of the green, dropping points with the last kick of the game at Crystal Palace.

“We wanted to prove a point and put our stamp on the West Brom match and I felt we did that. We controlled the game far better, even though the start of the second half was a bit difficult.”