CHERRIES thanked the departing quartet of Stephen Purches, Neil Moss, Steve Hard and Simon Weatherstone for their “outstanding commitment” to the club.

The Dorset outfit announced the four long-serving members of the backroom staff had exited the club, shortly before Scott Parker and his new staff were appointed at Vitality Stadium.

A statement on Cherries’ website read: “With longevity a rare commodity in modern football, the quartet have shown outstanding commitment to AFC Bournemouth and their contributions will never be forgotten.

“They leave with the best wishes of everyone for the future and will receive a warm welcome back to Vitality Stadium whenever our paths cross.”

Assistant manager Purches and goalkeeping coach Moss were both key players at Cherries with more than 500 club appearances between them, before joining the coaching setup under Eddie Howe and helping pilot the club to the Premier League.

Physio Hard had been with the club 15 years and saw the entirety of Cherries’ rise from the depths of the Football League and financial trouble, to the riches of the top flight.

Coach Weatherstone, who has recently got his UEFA Pro Licence, first joined Cherries in January 2014.

The statement added: “While they may have different roles and responsibilities, Purches, Moss, Weatherstone and Hard have played a big part in the club’s history, both on and off the pitch, and have been integral to its rise through the divisions.”