CHERRIES new boy Adam Smith is keen to finally put down some firm roots following his permanent move to Dean Court.

Smith today put the finishing touches to his transfer from Tottenham and penned a three-and-a-half year contract with Cherries.

The 22-year-old made 42 appearances for Cherries in 2010-11 – one of no fewer than seven loan spells during his fledgling career.

Smith, who came through the ranks at White Hart Lane, said: “It is great to be back. My loan spell here a few years ago was successful and I have worked with Eddie Howe before so it just feels right.

“This is what I need because, hopefully, I will get some games to improve myself and help the club move up the table. I am happy to have it all finalised and just want to get started. I know the club, the town and some of the lads from when I was here before so this will be a good move for me.

“I have been at Millwall, Leeds and recently Derby, which meant the last few years have been a bit up and down. I am 22 now and just wanted to be settled and playing regularly. I have had seven loans and was looking to stay at one club for a while. At this stage in my career, I need to have a home.

“Hopefully, I can do that here because I am here for the long term and want to help Bournemouth be successful.”

Signed on a youth loan in September 2010, Smith lined up in both legs of Cherries’ League One play-off semi-final against Huddersfield in May 2011 just three months after Howe had left for Burnley.

Smith added: “It was disappointing to see Eddie go but these things happen in football. I still managed to play 40 games that season and learn my trade.

“I am happy to be reunited with him here because it is a good club with a manager who likes to play the way I do. The club is in the Championship and you can see the difference between now and a few years ago. The facilities are much better and it is a bigger club, which can only be a good thing for me because I am young and still have a lot to learn.”