KARL Broadhurst says he harbours no grudges after being shown the door by Kevin Bond – but is hoping Eddie Howe could provide him with a route back to Dean Court.

The combative central defender ended a 14-year association with Cherries when he became one of 13 players released by former boss Bond in May 2007.

It was a bitter blow to the former Cherries skipper who had given the club excellent service, despite suffering his fair share of injuries down the years.

Broadhurst hooked up with Cherries for the start of pre-season after having his contract paid up by Hereford following a two-year stay with the Bulls.

And the 29-year-old is keen to stake his claim for a return ticket – once Howe is able to start manoeuvring in the transfer market as and when Cherries’ embargo is lifted.

Broadhurst said: “I spent a good chunk of my career here so it’s nice to be back. Eddie was good enough to let me train because I’m without a club at the moment. I spent a couple of years at Hereford, which I enjoyed, but this will always be my first club.

“Being released is part and parcel of football. Bondy came in and had his own ideas. That was fair enough and I don’t have any negative feelings towards him.

“It’s difficult for Eddie and Jason to look for new players with the embargo in place so they are just dealing with what they’ve got at the moment. If the opportunity arises to sign new players, who knows what might happen.

“I don’t see it as having to prove myself to Eddie because he knows what I’m about. I will always give 100 per cent and do my best. Those have been my main attributes throughout my career and that won’t change.

“People ask me if I’m on trial, but I’m just training until something comes up. If that arises here then it would be great. If it doesn’t then I’ll shoot off somewhere else.”

Broadhurst, who made 228 appearances for Cherries and played alongside Howe, added: “I knew Eddie would make a good manager. He’s got that steely grit and determination about him and it rubs off on the players. The lads want to play for each other and for Eddie and Jason as well.

“People have got high expectations after the Great Escape II and it’s whether they can deal with that pressure in a positive way. The onus is going to be on promotion and I think Eddie and Jason have got a task on their hands.

“There are a few young lads here and expectations can lie heavily on some people. The fans always expect a lot as well so it will be interesting to see how they manage that. But I’ve got a good feeling about this team.”

Cherries continue their pre-season campaign with a trip to Ringwood Town tonight (7pm). Boss Eddie Howe is likely to take a closer look at a number of trialists, including former Arsenal, Watford and Weymouth midfielder Paolo Vernazza.