LAURENCE Jones has quit as chief executive of crisis-hit AFC Bournemouth.

Jones, a lifelong Cherries supporter, will officially sever his ties with the club on Friday to take up the role of interim chief executive at the Leicester and Rutland County FA.

The vastly-experienced football administrator spent six years as chief executive of the Hampshire FA before joining Cherries in January 2006.

A former Football League linesman, the 48-year-old also stepped in as Cherries' acting chairman following Abdul Jaffer's resignation 12 months ago.

The Daily Echo has been unable to contact Jones for a comment, although his departure was announced on the club website on Tuesday.

A club statement read: "Chairman Jeff Mostyn has announced that the chief executive Laurence Jones will be leaving the club on Friday, January 25 to take up a new appointment as the interim chief executive of the Leicester and Rutland County FA.

"Mr Mostyn would like to put on record his thanks and appreciation for the work and enthusiasm that Laurence has brought to the role during the past two years and, on behalf of everyone connected with the club, wishes Laurence every success in his new role."

During Saturday's crushing 4-1 defeat by Southend, a section of the Dean Court crowd showed their support for Jones by chanting "Laurence Jones' Barmy Army".

He later addressed a group of fans on the North Stand as they held a peaceful demonstration to protest at the club's current plight.