POPULAR Cherries star Warren Cummings looks set to exit Dean Court after "reluctantly" handing in a transfer request due to a contract wrangle.

The Scotsman, who is midway through a two-year deal, is unhappy after being forced to take a pay cut following Cherries' relegation last season.

He feels the club were "morally wrong" to trigger the clause as relegation would have been avoided but for a 10-point deduction for entering administration.

Cummings penned an improved contract last summer although the deal included provision for him to take a 20 per cent reduction if Cherries went down.

And although relegation was confirmed on the final day of the season, Cherries were ultimately condemned to League Two by the points penalty.

Cummings submitted a written transfer request at the end of June and was told it had been accepted during a meeting with Jeff Mostyn earlier this week.

When contacted by the Daily Echo last night, Cummings confirmed his request had been accepted but said he did not wish to comment further.

His father Tom, who also acts as his representative, issued the following statement: "Warren loves playing for Bournemouth and has always worn the shirt with pride. He was hoping to finish his career here.

"But it is with great regret and sadness that he has asked for a transfer. However, in the position he finds himself in, he feels he has no other option.

"I first made contact with Mr Mostyn in May to discuss contractual issues which arose after the club had been relegated as a result of the 10-point deduction.

"Mr Mostyn responded, by email, informing us that the contract we had agreed last season would remain intact with no amendment. At no stage has the club attempted to make a counter offer since then.

"Warren was left with no alternative and wrote to Mr Mostyn on June 23 to reluctantly request a transfer. Mr Mostyn met Warren on July 15 when he informed him that the club would not be prepared to change their stance and agreed his request for a transfer.

"I can assure supporters that Warren has no grievances with the club. He feels his principles have been compromised and feels it is morally wrong to have invoked the clause when there was nothing he could have done about the 10 points.

"Warren has reiterated to club officials, both verbally and in writing, that he does not want to leave. He is not looking for any increase in salary, only what was agreed in his contract prior to administration as the team would have comfortably confirmed their League One status without the deduction.

"Warren was looking forward to spending many years with AFC Bournemouth and sincerely wishes a solution could have been reached. He will continue to give 100 per cent to the manager, staff and supporters until such time as he is able to move on."