CHERRIES stalwart Lewis Cook commented how it was “strange” how quickly things can change in football, sharing: “You can be in the same team with someone for ages, and then one minute they’re just gone."

The winter transfer window closed on Thursday, February 1, with Cherries’ business largely based on outgoings.

Midfielders Joe Rothwell and David Brooks have made temporary switches to Cherries’ Championship neighbours Southampton, whilst Kieffer Moore will finish the season on loan with Saints’ promotion rivals Ipswich Town.

Moore made a goalscoring return to Ipswich, coming off the bench to grab two goals in a 3-2 defeat away at Preston North End, whilst Brooks and Rothwell both featured in Southampton’s 2-0 victory away at Rotherham United.

“It's strange,” Cook replied when asked by the Daily Echo what it was like after departures from the dressing room.

“I feel like especially when we've had a game (on deadline day), it's a bit weird, but football's crazy.

“You can be in the same team with someone for ages, and then one minute they're just gone.

“Football's like that.

“Whoever's in and whoever's left, just wish them all the best.”

Cherries reluctantly allowed Brooks to leave after the Welsh international requested a loan move for more game time, the winger highly rated since arriving from Sheffield United in 2018.

Whilst the futures of Rothwell, Moore and Hamed Traore, who is currently on loan at Napoli, appear up in the air, there is a strong desire from Cherries for Brooks to be reintegrated into Andoni Iraola’s first team squad next term.

But for now, Brooks will be focussed on battling for promotion with Southampton.

Asked if he will be keeping an eye on his teammates out on loan, Cook responded: “If I get a chance and they're on the telly, I probably give them a watch.

“Everyone who's left, they’re top, top players.

“I'm sure they’ll do fantastic.

“The ones that are coming back, we look forward to seeing them.”

But for now, Cook’s focus will be on the second half of the season, with the midfielder determined to finish as strongly as possible.

He continued: “I think a few people say ‘try not to put limits on ourselves.’

“I just want to go into each game looking to get as many points as we can and try to climb the table, to be honest.

“I think every time we are playing in the Premier League, it's a massive bonus for us and the club, so we're going to strive to do that and hopefully more.”

Cherries return to action this weekend, when they visit Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm).