Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Hollands happy to pursue new deal
FORMER captain Danny Hollands has declared a desire to stay at Dean Court as Cherries' contract talks continue.[LNB] The Cherries star, one of a group of 10 players whose existing deals expire next month, is automatically entitled to fresh terms after triggering an appearance-related clause in his current contract, although he could still opt to leave.[LNB] But he has followed in the footsteps of Lee Bradbury and Warren Cummings, both of whom are in the same boat, by indicating he would like to remain with the club next season.[LNB] The central midfielder, who is the club's second top marksman with 10 during the Eddie Howe era, appeared in 39 league matches as Cherries achieved promotion to League One.[LNB] Hollands, 24, says negotiations over a new deal are ongoing, but he already has an eye on life in the third tier with Cherries.[LNB] When asked if he was keen to stay, Hollands told the Echo: If I can sort out a contract, I want to stay.[LNB] I love the club. I've been here for four years now and there have been a lot of ups and downs.[LNB] Hopefully, now I am looking forward to playing in League One with the lads.[LNB] I'm speaking to the gaffer at the moment and talks are ongoing. Hopefully, we can sort out something and put pen to paper.[LNB] Hollands, who joined Cherries on a free transfer from Chelsea in summer 2006, has played more than 150 games for the south coast club.[LNB] He hit seven goals last term and is hoping to make the step up to League One and find the net with more regularity.[LNB] I want to try to get a few more goals than I did this season, he said. First of all, I want to try to cement a place in the team.[LNB] Hollands came to the fore as the season entered its closing stages, with match-winning displays against rivals Rotherham and Notts County in February proving key.[LNB] In an eventful season, he was also replaced as skipper when Jason Pearce and Steve Fletcher were appointed in a new year captaincy shake-up.[LNB] Reflecting on his campaign, Hollands added: The personal highlight was probably the two weeks when I scored the two at Rotherham then two against Notts County.[LNB] I had quite a few lows more than your average player and it's been a tough year for me.[LNB] I've had a lot of highs and lows so I'm just looking forward to next season starting with a clean slate and showing what I can do and, hopefully, having a good full season.[LNB] Following meetings with boss Howe on Monday, Steve Fletcher, Shaun Cooper and Josh McQuoid were all offered new one-year contracts, while Hollands, Bradbury and Cummings were offered the appropriate terms in relation to their clauses.[LNB] Sammy Igoe, Scott Guyett and Jeff Goulding missed out on fresh deals, while talks with striker Alan Connell continue.[LNB] FA Cup finalists Portsmouth will visit Dean Court to take on Eddie Howe's promotion-winners in a friendly.[LNB] Cherries will host Pompey, who face Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, as part of their pre-season schedule. The Hampshire club will make the short trip along the south coast on Wednesday July, 28 (7.45pm kick-off).[LNB] Tickets can be purchased in the AFC Bournemouth Club Store or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 8449991.[LNB]
