Sylvain Distin heads list of six players released by Bournemouth this summer

• Sylvain Distin, 38, was one of six players to be released by Bournemouth
• Cherries boss Eddie Howe claimed Distin was 'a vital part of the squad'
• Stephane Zubar, Josh Carmichael, Josh Wakefield, Mason Walsh and Jon Muleba also let go as the club look to trim the squad ahead of next season
• Goalkeeper Ryan Allsop has signed a two-year deal to stay at Dean Court

Sylvain Distin heads a list of six players leaving Bournemouth this summer, with boss Eddie Howe praising the veteran defender as a 'vital part' of the Cherries' maiden Premier League campaign.

French defender Distin will officially leave Dean Court when his contract expires next month, along with Stephane Zubar, Josh Carmichael, Josh Wakefield, Mason Walsh and Jon Muleba.

Distin joined Bournemouth last summer as manager Howe eyed experience to underpin the club's first top-flight foray.

Sylvain Distin has been released by Bournemouth but was heavily praised by Eddie Howe for his contribution

Howe's stock continues to rise after keeping Bournemouth in England's top flight at the first time of asking

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Howe believes 38-year-old Distin's guidance and calming influence proved pivotal to Bournemouth securing a second season in the Premier League.

'Sylvain was a vital part of our squad throughout the season,' Howe told the Bournemouth Echo.

'Going into the Premier League, we felt bringing someone with vast experience and knowledge of the division would be hugely beneficial to our squad and give them someone to lean on.'

Former Everton, Manchester City and Portsmouth defender Distin boasts more than 450 Premier League appearances.

Distin boasts more than 450 Premier League appearances after playing for five different English clubs

The evergreen centre back set a new Premier League appearance record for a foreign player in his Bournemouth spell, with manager Howe consistently impressed by his professionalism and dedication.

'Sylvain played that role perfectly, but he also played his part on the pitch and was involved in some pivotal games. It was a really good experience for the other players to have worked with him for a year and I would like to thank him for his efforts.'

The French centre back was signed for £4 million by Manchester City in 2002 after a season loan at Newcastle 

Ryan Allsop has signed a new two-year deal with Bournemouth, the 23-year-old former Leyton Orient goalkeeper is now on hand at Dean Court until 2018.

Allsop made his top-flight debut in Bournemouth's first Premier League campaign, and is now targeting more regular first-team action with the Cherries.

'I am really pleased to have it sorted,' said Allsop.

Ryan Allsop has signed a two-year deal with the club and will compete with Artur Boruc and Adam Federici

'It's a weight off my shoulders to get it over the line. I love living in Bournemouth and love the club, so I am delighted to be staying for another two years.

'To make my Premier League debut was massive, but that has just given me a taste of it. I want to play as many games as I can at the top level.

'I have learned loads from Artur Boruc and Adam Federici this season, but I don't want to just make up the numbers. I want to push as hard as I can.'

Bournemouth enjoyed their first ever season in the Premier League after managing to avoid relegation