Bartley agrees new Cherries deal

17 February 2010 13:24
The 23-year-old midfielder's contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but he has now accepted improved terms on a two-and-a-half year extension.[LNB]Bartley has struggled to secure a regular first-team berth, scoring just twice in 85 appearances since signing for the club back in 2007, but despite that he has become a firm favourite with the Dean Court faithful.[LNB]Howe told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: "We're delighted he wants to stay and I see him as an important part of the future at this club. I think he's improved a lot in the past couple of months.[LNB]"We want to continue to work with him and to continue the improvements with his game because we really believe in him. He has had to be patient because there is real competition in the centre of the park and we've got some really good central midfielders.[LNB]"Marv knew he had to wait for his chance but, once he got it, he took it with both hands and has been excellent in the past few weeks. He always shows the right attitude, he's a great lad and a joy to work with. Those factors made us want to extend his stay here."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk