Jason Tindall pens emotional open letter to Cherries fans

As a young man of 20 driving up the M3 for the first ever time in my life, I never thought or expected for one second that it would be the start of such an incredible journey, not only as a player but assistant manager and then finally the manager.

I can’t thank you all enough for the incredible support you have shown me during my 22 years at the club. The journey has been hard work to say the least with many ups and downs, criticism and praise, but all with the love and care for this amazing football club.

Sadly I now let go with the one dream I had left to achieve almost complete, but I leave with my head held high.

I took over in difficult circumstances, with Ed’s big boots to fill, many great players leaving the club as well as many of the first-team staff being made redundant and the players' chins well and truly on the floor. I take great pride in the work that needed to be done behind the scenes which none of you will have seen, to get the remaining lads playing with a smile on their face, which was so good to see.

Having achieved the best start to a season for a first-time Bournemouth manager since John Bond 50 years ago was also an achievement I was proud of. Unfortunately we hit a little bump in the road and the club made the decision they felt was right at the time.

My goal was the same as all of you great fans, and that was an immediate return to the Premier League. Having left the club in the play-off places, I'm sure that will be achieved.

I’ve loved every moment of every challenge and to say goodbye having achieved three promotions, the experience of five seasons in the Premier League and finally never being out of the top six as a Championship manager makes me immensely proud of my achievements.

I now will watch and support with my feet up and look forward to seeing the next manager finish what we set out to achieve back in July - even if it means promotion via the play-offs, which I'm sure every Aston Villa and Fulham fan who recently experienced it will tell you is the best and most exciting way to go up.

I wish you all much love, happiness and success. I love you all and am forever grateful for the love and support you have shown me.

Please continue to get behind this great club, stick together, and - as we know and have proved so many times before - together, anything is possible.

Always a Cherry,

Best wishes

JT