JASON Tindall says Harry Arter's move to Nottingham Forest "was the best decision" for both Cherries and the player.

Arter departed Cherries on a permanent deal yesterday, ending his 10-year association with the club.

The midfielder has spent the past two seasons out on loan, but did make his 256th and final appearance for Cherries in last week's Carabao Cup game against Crystal Palace.

Asked if it was Cherries or Arter who wanted to make the move to Forest happen, Tindall told the Daily Echo: "I felt it was probably the right decision or the best decision for both.

"Nottingham Forest came in and offered Harry a three-year contract and I think when something like that is on the table and you've got the opportunity to secure your future, it's very difficult to turn down."

Arter joined Cherries during their League One days and played a vital role in the club's promotions from both the third and second tiers.

He played 43 of the 46 league games during the title-winning Championship campaign of 2014-15, netting nine goals.

Arter then featured regularly in the Premier League, before falling out of favour and eventually leaving on loan to join Cardiff City in the 2018-19 season.

The Sidcup-born ace returned for pre-season at Cherries last summer before joining Fulham on loan, helping Scott Parker's men to promotion from the Championship.

He returned again to Vitality Stadium this summer, but after what proved to be his farewell outing against Palace, has now made the move to the City Ground.

Arter scored 29 goals during his time at Cherries, and was named in the Echo readers' team of the decade.

He also earned 17 caps for Republic of Ireland during his time as a Cherries player.

Tindall said: "Harry was a great servant to this football club, there's no question, in terms of what he achieved during his time here and the success that we had as a football club with Harry. He was a huge part of that.

"It's sad to see him leave, but it's a great opportunity for Harry to secure his future and we wish him all the best and wish him well.

"When you think we signed him from Woking for about £5,000, the contribution that he's had and has made for this football club has been exceptional, along with the likes of Andrew Surman, Charlie Daniels, Simon Francis, Marc Pugh, that crop of players.

"What they achieved at this football club will never be forgotten."