MIKE Corderoy, Cherries’ former chief scout, has died at the age of 81, the club have announced.

Corderoy worked for the club from the mid-1990s until 2006, under managers Mel Machin and Sean O’Driscoll.

Among the players identified during his watch were Jason Tindall, Warren Cummings, Jimmy Glass, Alan Connell, Jason Brissett, Jamie Vincent and Ian Cox.

He also had an input in the loan signing of Jermain Defoe in 2000, the teenager going on to score in 10 games in a row for Cherries.

Corderoy joined O’Driscoll at Doncaster Rovers in 2006 and until last year was working for Leicester City.

He is survived by wife Jacquie, daughters Gemma and Nicola, stepchildren Jacob, Dickon, Annys and Alex, as well as eight grandchildren.

Paying tribute, Eddie Howe said: “Mike was an incredible scout for AFC Bournemouth in difficult financial times for the club.

“He was hardworking, loyal and dedicated to the cause. Mike had an exceptional eye for players and a deep knowledge of all the leagues.

“He would work long hours and travel long distances to find the next player that could take the club forward.

“Mike did all his work with good humour and will be greatly missed.”

His funeral will take place at 1pm on Friday 23 August at New Forest Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, Stem Lane, New Milton, BH25 5FH.

Relatives have asked for family flowers only and donations instead to UK Sepsis Trust, via sepsistrust.org