"Don't panic" - that's the message to Cherries fans from Warren Cummings after the club lost Wade Elliott and Garreth O'Connor on Bosman free transfers to Burnley earlier this week.

The Scottish full-back has issued a call for calm after sections of supporters vented their frustration at the loss of half of Sean O'Driscoll's regular midfield in one hit.

Cummings insists the manager will work some magic in the transfer market to find the right replacements for the two wide men who were such integral factors in Cherries' League One campaign.

He told the Daily Echo: "Although they were two very good players, we have a good squad at the club and it is not just about two players. We will replace them so there is no need to start panicking.

"It is obviously disappointing to see two valuable members of our squad go but it is good for them.

"They have got to think about their own careers and if you get the opportunity to play at a higher level, it doesn't often come along. You cannot blame them for taking it."

Had Cherries gone on to reach the Championship themselves, the former Chelsea man feels O'Connor and Elliott would have been happy to stick around at Dean Court, but he insists they should be wished well in their new challenge.

He said: "Had we been promoted, I don't think we would have lost them but we cannot do anything about that now.

"They both did their very best to get us there but it just wasn't enough as a team this time.

"They don't deserve any criticism at all. They have both been at the club for five years or so and have given great service. They have always given their all and I would be really surprised if any of our supporters criticised them.

"From a selfish point of view you want them to stay because they are good players and good friends but they are off to play at a higher level and nobody can blame them for that."

The defender, who is recovering well from the broken leg that ruled him out of the season's run-in, admits he is in the dark on who else may join O'Connor and Elliott through the exit door but is not overly alarmed at the prospect of further squad maintenance this summer.

He said: "The players can't afford to get too concerned about other players leaving. The ones that are here are paid to do the job for the club and I'm sure the club will go out and get some fresh faces in.

"I don't know if anybody else will be leaving. You don't really know until everybody decides whether to sign contracts but I haven't heard of any who want to leave.

"It goes without saying that I certainly hope that we don't lose anymore, but you never know."

Cummings was, however, quick to downplay fears of an exodus as negotiations continue with the club's out-of-contract stars.

He said: "It is not like two players leave and then all of a sudden everybody wants out. Wade and Gaz had their reasons and you can understand them, but that certainly won't be the same for everybody."