DEFENDER Jack Stacey labelled Cherries a “really special club” following news that he will leave Vitality Stadium after four years to join Norwich City.

It was announced earlier today that the 27-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with the Championship Canaries following the conclusion of his deal at the end of the season.

Since arriving from Luton Town in July 2019, Stacey made 98 appearances in red and black, scoring once – a long-range strike against Blackburn Rovers in 2020.

Limited appearances under Gary O’Neil combined with an expiring contract led many to presume Stacey and Cherries would part ways at the end of this campaign.

Despite the lack of playing time, Stacey remained thankful for his time with Cherries, taking to social media to share: “I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone at AFC Bournemouth.

“Signing for the club back in July 2019 was a dream come true for me, as it gave me the chance to play Premier League football, and I couldn’t have wished to have joined a better club.

“It is a really special club, and I feel really proud to have played a small part in getting them back up to the Premier League.

“Today I am moving on to a new club and a challenge I’m really excited about, but I will always be grateful for the time I’ve spent at Bournemouth.”