Cherries legend Ted MacDougall paid a warm tribute to former boss John Bond and admitted: “He changed my life.”

MacDougall was speaking after it was yesterday announced that Mr Bond, who managed Cherries from 1970-73, had died at the age 79.

Dean Court goalscoring hero MacDougall was Cherries’ leading marksman in three successive seasons.

MacDougall flourished under Mr Bond’s guidance and fired Cherries to promotion in 1970-71 when he netted 42 times in 46 Division Four appearances.

MacDougall told the Daily Echo: “I owe everything I became in my life to him because he gave me opportunities and showed me how to do the job properly.

“He was ahead of his time and he was a visionary.”

MacDougall, who later reunited with his old mentor at Norwich City, added: “He was the best coach I ever had.

“It was just a pleasure and a great experience. I’m eternally grateful for everything he did – everything.”

In a statement published on the club’s official website, AFC Bournemouth said: “AFC Bournemouth would like to offer their condolences to the family and friends of John Bond.”

Cherries will pay tribute to Mr Bond with a minute’s applause before Saturday’s home match against Walsall. The players will also wear black armbands.