CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe welcomed the arrival of Adam Smith and said the defender had made a “brave decision” to leave Premier League Tottenham.

Smith today completed his move from White Hart Lane when he joined Cherries on a three-and-a-half year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £250,000.

The 22-year-old played under Howe during a youth loan at Dean Court in 2010-11 and lined up in Cherries’ League One play-off semi-final against Huddersfield.

Howe said: “We are really pleased to bring him in permanently. Our wish is always to sign young talent, develop it and make it better and I think Adam certainly fits that profile.

“A year ago, he was England under-21s’ regular right-back so that shows what a good player he is. Hopefully, he can develop and get better with us over time and we are delighted to add to him to our squad, not just as a player because he also fits what we are looking for personality-wise. He is a good lad, he works hard at his game and shows the right attitude.

“We know Adam from our first spell here and I think that is really important. When you get to work with players, you get to know their strengths and we certainly know what Adam can bring us. He fits the right age profile and is someone we can really enjoy working with for the long term. He is going to be a good addition to the squad.”

Asked about Smith putting down some firm roots following no fewer than seven loan spells in his career, Howe replied: “A player can sometimes be loaned out very much for the benefit of him and his career and those early loans were really important for him and enabled him to get into this position.

“But there comes a time when, if you can’t see a future at the club you are at then you do have to look to move permanently. I think Adam will be a reluctant leaver of Tottenham for obvious reasons. When you have been associated with a club for such a long time, it can be difficult to move.

“I think he has made a brave decision and, hopefully, it turns out to be a good one for him and his career. Establishing a link with a new club will be beneficial for him and, hopefully, he will enjoy his time with us.”

Cherries fended off interest from several clubs to secure Smith’s services, with the 11-times capped England under-21 international admitting his decision had been swayed by the opportunity to again work with Howe and his staff.

Howe said: “I think he sees the way the club is going and the ambition within the club, which is important when you leave somewhere like Tottenham. Most importantly for Adam, he needs a club which plays a style of football that fits him and his game.

“Whenever he decided to leave Tottenham, it needed to be to a club that played to his strengths. Hopefully, we tick those boxes and we can see the best of him here.”

If Smith was registered in time, he could be available for tonight’s visit of Huddersfield although it remains to be seen whether or not he will be involved.