NEW boss Paul Groves today started shaping his Cherries squad by releasing a string of players and staff including Warren Cummings and Ryan Garry.

Club captain Cummings has become the biggest-name casualty in the clear-out of out-of-contract players.

The long-serving defender, who spent 10 years at Dean Court, learned his fate this morning following a phone call from Groves.

Groves confirmed to the Daily Echo this evening that defender Mathieu Baudry, striker Lyle Taylor, goalkeeper Jordan Seabright, frontman Michael Symes and rookie duo Paddy Hester and Alex Parsons had also been released.

Defender Gary Bowles, though, who is yet to appear for the first-team, was offered a one-year contract. Young centre-half Dan Strugnell was also offered a new 12-month deal.

On a busy day for the newly-appointment manager, Groves also announced changes to Cherries’ backroom team.

Former Cherries defender Garry has left his role as the club's reserves manager and defensive coach.

Sports scientist Louis Langdown was also shown the door.

Groves opted to retain physio Steve Hard, sports therapist Dave Gardner and goalkeeping coach Neil Moss.

Meanwhile, the youth-team graduates offered their first professional contracts – Josh Wakefield, Ryan Case, Alex Moth, Harrison Gilkes, Clive Makoni and Jordan Chiedozie – have all accepted deals.