Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: New contract for Bartley
BOSS Eddie Howe has challenged Marvin Bartley to become one of the first names on the Cherries team-sheet after rewarding him with a new contract.[LNB] The combative midfielder, who quit his job as a window fitter to join Cherries in 2007, has agreed terms on an improved two-and-a-half year deal.[LNB] Bartley has been forced to bide his time since stepping into the pro ranks after learning his trade in non-league with Hampton & Richmond, Hayes and Didcot Town.[LNB] But the 23-year-old has become a firm favourite with the Dean Court faithful, his wholehearted and committed displays endearing him to the supporters.[LNB] Howe told the 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.[LNB] 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.[LNB] He always shows the right attitude, he's a great lad and a joy to work with.[LNB] Those factors made us want to extend his stay here.[LNB] His battle now is to make himself one of first names on the team-sheet and that should be his challenge. We will certainly make sure he continues to improve because that's the key thing.[LNB] We want all our players to get better and Marv works extremely hard with his game. He needs to continue to do all the right things and make sure he doesn't take his foot off the gas, which I'm sure he won't.[LNB] Bartley, whose existing deal was due to expire in the summer, is now under contract with Cherries until the end of the 2011-2012 season.[LNB] Meanwhile, Sammy Igoe's anticipated return for the reserves yesterday was delayed after the midfielder pulled out of the Cherries squad with a tight hamstring.[LNB] Igoe, who has been out for three weeks with an ankle problem, was due to hit the comeback trail in Cherries' 1-0 win over Southampton, but was forced to look on from the sidelines as Alan Connell hit a second-half winner.[LNB] Howe said: We were hoping he would play but, unfortunately, he woke up with a tight hamstring and we didn't want to take any chances.[LNB] Hopefully, it's nothing serious and it won't put him out any longer.[LNB] Watford pair Jordan Parkes and Billy Gibson both impressed for Cherries, while Newport (IOW) midfielder Ian Seabrook was also handed a trial.[LNB]
