JERMAIN DEFOE was surprised to see Eddie Howe leave Bournemouth after a 'fairytale' spell as boss.

The Englishman left his position at the Vitality Stadium earlier this week following the Cherries' relegation to the Championship on the final day of the campaign.

Howe was widely hailed for his efforts in keeping his side in the Premier League and former Bournemouth striker Defoe has wished the 42-year-old well in his next venture.

He said: "I was a little bit surprised. The journey from where he started playing with the youth team.

"I actually played with Eddie when I was on loan at Bournemouth from West Ham when I was 17.

"Then he went on to manage the football club and get them into the Premier League was like a fairytale. Five years in the Premier League and them for it to come to an end was a sad time for everyone.

"It's part and parcel of football, managers come and go and I can imagine that he wanted some sort of a break now to reflect and spend some time with his family because he used to get to the training ground by 6am and wouldn't leave until 7pm. He had that work ethic so good luck to him on his next job."