Cherries football pundit to retire from radio

The former Cherries player said he wanted to end on a "strong season"

BBC Radio Solent's Bournemouth football pundit has announced he will retire from broadcasting at the end of the season.

John "Willo" Williams has been part of the station's sports coverage of AFC Bournemouth for more than two decades.

The former Cherries player-turned-commentator said he wanted "to go out on a really strong season".

Colleagues praised his "infectious love of football" and said broadcasts "won't be quite the same" without him.

Willo enjoyed a 15-year professional career, including five years at Bournemouth, where he later returned as a coach, before joining Radio Solent as a summariser.

Announcing his retirement on Saturday, following Bournemouth's victory over Arsenal, he said: "This is going to be my last season. I've enjoyed it so much.

"I want to go out on a really strong season and this one is turning out to be the season of all seasons."

Willo enjoyed a 15-year professional career before turning to broadcasting

Radio Solent sports editor Adam Blackmore, who has worked with Willo for 21 years, said: "Things won't be quite the same again.

"His infectious love of football and his beloved Cherries has shone through the airwaves for more than two decades and has been an absolute asset for us."

Radio Solent commentator and journalist Jordan Clark described Willo as an "AFC Bournemouth legend".

He said: "Player, coach, scout, and then commentator - he's done it all for the Cherries over the past 40 years.

"He cares deeply about the club and you hear that every time he picks up the microphone.

"He'll leave a huge hole in our Cherries coverage but it will be a privilege to sit next to him for these final three games of the season and hopefully witness the Cherries qualifying for Europe for the first time."