STEVE Cook insisted he was planning to “bring some of the players back that didn’t get to say goodbye” when his testimonial comes along at Cherries.

The 30-year-old centre-back left the Dorset club to join Nottingham Forest last week – putting to an end his decade-long stay at Vitality Stadium.

Chief executive Neill Blake confirmed the club “look forward to welcoming him back to host his testimonial later this year”.

And the defender, who won two promotions as well as making almost 400 appearances for the Dorset outfit in all competitions, is keen to reunite with some old friends.

Asked about being granted a testimonial, Cook told afcbTV: “I am really excited about it.

“Really looking forward to bringing back some of the players that had so much success here and didn’t get to give the club and fans a farewell as well.

“Those talks will take place and I am going to have to persuade people to get their boots back on and put on a bit of an exhibition for the fans.

“I am so proud that I have been able to achieve that. A great opportunity to say goodbye to the fans properly.

“And (it is a) really nice opportunity again to bring some of the players back that didn’t get to say goodbye, who have the upmost respect from the club and myself as well.

“Hopefully that all comes together nicely and can be a really nice day.”

Cook got off to a superb start to life at Forest, having helped them seal a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup at the City Ground.

Asked what his ideal scenario would be for the rest of the season, he replied: “The ideal situation is obviously to see Bournemouth get promoted and then Nottingham Forest go up and follow them through however – play-offs or whatnot.

“To both get to play against each other in the Premier League would be an amazing end to my Bournemouth career – and the start of my new one.”