CHIEF executive Neill Blake insisted new head coach Scott Parker had always been the club’s number one choice and added: “I am delighted to finally get our man.”

Former England midfielder Parker has been heavily linked with the Dorset club for weeks, with Cherries announcing on Sunday Jonathan Woodgate’s contract as head coach would not be extended.

Instead, the club have secured the services of Parker, who left Fulham by mutual consent the same day he was appointed Cherries’ new boss.

Blake said: “It has been a long process but I am delighted to finally get our man.

“Scott has always been our number one choice for this role and someone whose coaching career we have taken a keen interest in since his first steps in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.

“Over a period of time he has proven himself as one of the best young head coaches in the country; someone who has a clear philosophy on how he wants to play and knows what it takes to win promotion from the Championship.

“Scott is fully invested in the long-term project in front of us here, and this is the start of an exciting new period for this club.”

Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and Neil Moss have left Cherries, along with long-serving physio Steve Hard.