EDDIE Howe has left Cherries by mutual consent following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

The 42-year-old, who managed the club for more than 450 matches across two spells, made the decision following meetings with club officials this week, which came to a head this afternoon.

Read more: 'I now join you as a Bournemouth supporter' - Eddie Howe's emotional open letter to fans

Howe, who also made more than 300 appearances for Cherries, is the club's most successful ever manager having joined initially as a caretaker in December 2008 with the club battling relegation from League Two.

He helped them escape the drop despite a 17 point deduction before helping to promotion and after a brief spell at Burnley, returned to take Cherries all the way to the top flight, where they remained for five years.

Read more: Live reaction to Eddie Howe leaving AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth Echo:

But following the club's relegation back to the Championship last weekend, Howe is now set to step away.

Read more: Tindall and coaches remain at Cherries despite Howe departure

"Eddie Howe is synonymous with this football club, both as a player and a manager, and that will never change," said chief executive Neill Blake.

“He is quite simply an AFC Bournemouth legend, having helped transform the identity and history of the club.

“Myself, our owner Maxim Demin and the board’s gratitude and appreciation for Eddie’s achievements cannot and will never be underestimated.

“A decision like this cannot be taken lightly, which is why this has been discussed together at length over the past few days. It is even harder given our close personal friendship.

“We wish Eddie well for whatever the future holds and hope he enjoys some much-deserved and well-earned time with his family.”