91Èȱ¬

Bournemouth winger Marc Pugh has signed a new three-and a-half-year contract that will keep him at the League One club until 2016.

Pugh, 25, had turned down a new deal in the summer stating a desire to play at a higher level.

But following manager Eddie Howe's return to the club Pugh hinted he may be open to staying at the Cherries.

And Pugh, who has made over 100 appearances since signing from Hereford in 2010, has now committed to the club.

His decision delighted Howe, who admitted tying down the former Hereford midfielder to a long-term deal was his number one priority when he returned as manager.

"I'm delighted to get Marc done," Howe told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Solent.

"That was one of the key things when we came in. We prioritised that deal to tie Marc's future down to this football club.

"He's been brilliant since we came came and I thought he was excellent on Tuesday (against Stevenage) and it's great that we can really settle down now and work with Marc long term."

Pugh also could not contain his delight at signing a new deal with the Cherries.

"Absolutely buzzing to have signed a new contract,"

"I love the club, the fans, the lads, the staff, the beach and an amazing place to live."