CHERRIES’ midfield general Mark Molesley sees living up to supporters’ expectations as his next challenge after agreeing to extend his stay at Dean Court.

Molesley, one of the leading lights as Cherries preserved their Football League status last season, has been rewarded for his exploits with a new two-year contract. The 28-year-old Londoner revelled in the heat of Cherries’ relegation battle after initially being plucked from the non-league ranks by former boss Jimmy Quinn in October.

And despite fearing his Dean Court days were numbered following Quinn’s sacking, Molesley continued to make eye-catching progress under Eddie Howe’s tutelage.

A lifelong West Ham fan, “the blond boy from non-league” was also hailed as “impressive” by Harry Redknapp following Cherries’ pre-season friendly against Spurs last month.

“That was a dream come true,” said Molesley. “When people of that stature make comments like that about you, it is absolutely fantastic and I was chuffed to bits.

“My nephew came to the game and I managed to get him to meet some of the Spurs players. As we were waiting, Harry came out and had a couple of nice words for me. I was made up.”

Molesley made 33 appearances in his debut season for Cherries and hit four goals – including his unforgettable dramatic late winner at Dagenham & Redbridge.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and was always keen to extend my stay,” said the man who did the non-league rounds with Hayes, Cambridge City, Aldershot Town, Stevenage and Grays.

“I’m moving down from London with my wife and we’ve got a baby on the way so the security is important.

“Pre-season was difficult at times because I wasn’t able to get home too much. Training was quite intense and I’ve been staying in digs. But now the contract is resolved and I’ve found a place to live, everything is set up for me.”

Molesley, who has struck up an excellent midfield partnership with Anton Robinson, added: “My first season was interesting to say the least, but it was a great season with many fond memories.

“I learned a lot and, fortunately, managed to stay in the team at the end of the season after Eddie had brought me on a lot.

“Maybe I benefited from the surprise element and peoples’ expectations weren’t too high because I had come from non-league. This season is going to be a new challenge because people are going to be expecting good things from me.

“I’ve just got to keep doing what I did last season, keep my head down and keep working hard and, hopefully, that will result in good performances.

“Our squad is quite thin at the moment and a few key players are missing. Everybody has got to step up to the plate and stand up and be counted.”