SHAUN Cooper – a hero of Cherries’ Greatest Escape – has announced his retirement and admitted the decision had come as a “real relief”.

Cooper made 231 appearances during an eventful seven-year stay at Dean Court and said he had often struggled to enjoy his football after leaving in 2012.

Following brief spells at Crawley and Portsmouth, he dropped into non-league with Torquay and Sutton and had started this season at Poole.

A skilful and versatile operator, he played a leading role in helping Cherries preserve their Football League status during a memorable 2008-09 campaign.

Signed by Sean O’Driscoll on a free from Portsmouth in June 2005, the 34-year-old recently took up a full-time role in Cherries’ academy, coaching the club’s under-13 and 14s.

In a candid assessment, Cooper told the Daily Echo: “I loved every minute of my time at the club and was fortunate to play with some very good players and under some good managers, especially Eddie Howe and Sean O’Driscoll, who I have learned a lot from.

“Bournemouth gave me the best seven years of my career and, in truth, I hadn’t really enjoyed playing since I left.

“I had some good times at Poole and Tom Killick and the lads were great but it is a real relief to know I won’t have to play any more, although I’m sure I’ll start to miss it over time.

“I certainly won’t miss the physical preparation for matches and was kidding myself thinking I could go on.

“I’d had enough for a while but kept clinging on. I tried to give it my best but then stopped enjoying it completely.

“With the full-time job offer and my partner expecting our first child in the new year, it was time for me to call it a day.”

Cooper played under six different managers during his time at Dean Court and left when Paul Groves was at the helm.

“I was offered another deal but, if I’m honest, it was an offer designed for me to turn down,” said Cooper.

“There had been an injection of funds and they were building a strong squad. They could probably sense with my injury problems and maybe just me as a player that my time was done.

“But I will always be grateful to the club for giving me a second chance as a player. I have so many great memories and met some of my best friends during my time there.”

Cooper has joined a host of other former Cherries players on the club’s academy, which is headed by Joe Roach.

“I started working with the under-13s on a part-time basis in pre-season and they had a re-jig when a few full-time positions became available,” added Cooper. “I was fortunate to be offered one and it was a no-brainer.

“I am delighted to be working for a club which gave me so much during my career. Now, I just want to give something back. It is on to the next chapter for me and I am excited to be back and looking to the future.”