MANAGER Eddie Howe insisted there were a “combination of reasons” behind Jordon Ibe’s disappointing Cherries career and admitted: “It just didn’t quite work here.”

Winger Ibe signed from Liverpool for £15million in the summer of 2016 but left for free following the expiration of his contract this week.

He played 92 times for the Dorset club in all competitions, scoring on five occasions. The Londoner’s last first-team outing came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Burton in September.

Asked why Ibe’s move to Cherries did not work, Howe said: “When you look back and reflect, there is never one reason, I think there is a combination of reasons.

“I have said many times before that his ability and talent is undoubted - he has the ability to beat people, which is a rare quality in football.

“He has lots and lots of qualities, but it just didn’t quite work here. I think that’s obvious.

“That doesn’t mean it won’t work somewhere else for him and I think there are a lot of reasons off the pitch that contributed to that, rather than on it.”

Cherries also this week saw Ryan Fraser’s contract expire, with the Scotland international declining a short-term deal until the season.

Signed from Aberdeen for around £400,000 in January 2013, the 26-year-old enjoyed two promotions with Howe’s men on their journey to the top flight.

Fraser’s final appearance for Cherries came in their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on March 7 – before the division was halted due to COVID-19.

“I’ve said all I need to say on Ryan Fraser’s situation,” added Howe.

“He’s a player we loved working with.

“His journey and time with us overall, when you look at it, was a hugely successful one.

“We wish him well in his next adventure.”

Fraser, who has been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton, played more than 200 times for Cherries.