SUPPORTERS and former Cherries stars have reacted with dismay and anger at the news of stalwart Mick Cunningham’s shock Dean Court departure.

The long-standing programme editor, photographer and fan is understood to have been one of seven staff members made redundant on Monday.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell declined to confirm the number of job losses but said Cherries had carried out “restructuring” of non-playing personnel.

Cunningham, who produced work for Cherries for more than 20 years, often without pay, was among the employees to exit in the “streamlining”.

And ex-Cherries players Karl Broadhurst and Claus Jorgensen joined sections of the Dean Court faithful in criticising the decision.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Broadhurst said: “It seems a shame because it is kind of taking a piece of the soul from the club when you get rid of people like him.

“He is one of those people you always remember because he has a heart of gold and will do anything for you. ‘No’ never seems to be in his vocabulary.

“He epitomised what that club was all about.

“He is one of the best guys I ever met at that club. I think it is a real shame for such a really nice guy.”

Former midfield ace Jorgensen said: “I am not saying that you shouldn’t try to change things at a club but what I have always learned in football is that the most important people are the loyal ones.

“I don’t know what the reason is but I just think it is very strange.”

Mathieu Baudry and Alan Connell joined Broadhurst and Jorgensen by expressing their surprise via social networking website Twitter.

Meanwhile, some supporters have called for Cunningham to be reinstated.

Furious lifelong Pauline Foster, 67, contacted the Echo to say: “I am absolutely disgusted. I think it is a disgrace.”

When asked about the reaction to Cunningham’s departure, chairman Mitchell said: “I became very close to Mick myself and he has done a great service for the club.”

Cunningham politely declined to comment.