Eddie Howe has left his role as Bournemouth manager by mutual consent following the Cherries' relegation from the Premier League.
Howe departs Bournemouth after more than 450 games in charge across two spells at the Vitality Stadium and admitted the time was right for a change in an open letter to supporters.
Penning an open letter on the club website, Howe said: “Having spent a total of 25 years with the club as both a player and a manager this decision - made together with the club - is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make.
“However, although the affection and love I have for this football club will always remain, we collectively feel that now is the right time for the club to go in a new direction.
“Bournemouth will always be in my heart, but I firmly believe that now is the right time for the club to have a change.
“I have always ensured that every decision I have ever made as manager has been in the best interests of the club and its supporters, and this is no different.”
The former defender initially took charge of the south-coast club in December 2008 on a caretaker basis with Bournemouth bottom of League Two.
After leading them to safety, he achieved promotion the following campaign before he left to join Burnley in 2011.
Howe returned a year later and guided the Cherries to two more promotions, with the club playing in the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Chief executive Neill Blake said: “Eddie Howe is synonymous with this football club, both as a player and a manager, and that will never change.
“He is quite simply an AFC Bournemouth legend, having helped transform the identity and history of the club.”
