AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has left the Dorset club by mutual consent.
In an open letter, 42-year-old Howe who led the Cherries to the Premier League from League Two over two mangerial spells, said "it was the right time for the club to have a change".
Bournemouth were relegated on the last day of the Premier League season despite a 3-1 win at Everton.
Former Cherries central defender Howe leaves Bournemouth after eight years in charge.
In his first term in charge at Dean Court, 2008-2011, he led the Dorset club out of the basement when they were promoted to League One in 2010.
In an open letter on the club's official website Howe admitted: "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 now is the right time for the club to have a change.
"I have always ensured every decision I have ever made as a manager has been in the interest of the club and its supporters, and this is no different."
In his second managerial spell Howe - who grew up in Verwood, Dorset - guided Bournemouth to three promotions in six seasons after returning to the club from Burnley in October 2012.
