DANNY Hollands has wasted little time in committing himself to the Cherries cause by becoming the first out-of-contract player to pen a new deal.

Hollands, who starred during the club’s League Two promotion, yesterday finalised terms on a 12-month extension and signed the paperwork at Dean Court.

News of his decision came less than a week after the season had ended and just days after Hollands had publicly expressed a desire to stay with Cherries.

Although the industrious midfielder had been entitled to a new deal after triggering an appearance-related clause, he could also have left on a free transfer.

Hollands joined Cherries from Chelsea in 2006 and was believed to have been offered terms by Colchester before signing his current deal at Dean Court two years ago.

The 24-year-old, who was crowned supporters’ player of the year in 2008, has made more than 170 appearances for Cherries, including 70 in League One in his first two seasons.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe told the Daily Echo: “I am pleased Danny has re-signed. He was really important to us at the back-end of the season when he was outstanding.

“He is a real driving force in midfield and another player with League One experience so that will be vital to us next season.

“With Danny, Marvin Bartley, Anton Robinson and Joe Partington, we have got a really strong looking central midfield. There is going to be fierce competition for places, especially if we line up 4-4-2. We have got three central midfielders all of whom had excellent seasons and another who is champing at the bit for a place.”

Howe anticipates Josh McQuoid will follow Hollands’s lead by completing the signing formalities on a new one-year contract once he has returned from holiday next week.

The 20-year-old winger, a product of the club’s youth system under Joe Roach, was one of three players offered fresh terms by Howe earlier this week.

Howe is waiting for striker Steve Fletcher and playmaker Shaun Cooper to come back to him with their respective decisions, while Warren Cummings and Lee Bradbury are also entitled to extensions after triggering appearance-related clauses.

Official contract offer letters are also due to be sent to youth team graduates Dan Thomas, Tim Stephenson and Danny Ings. Goalkeeper Thomas and defender Stephenson are expecting to be offered one-year deals, while striker Ings will be handed an initial three-month contract.

Meanwhile, sources close to the Daily Echo suggest Howe could be on the trail of former Cherries favourite Steve Purches who is available following the expiry of his contract with Leyton Orient.

The versatile and experienced 30-year-old, who spent seven years with Cherries, left Dean Court for Brisbane Road in 2008.

He appears to have fallen out of favour under new Os manager Russell Slade and is understood to be keen on a return to Dorset. Howe has made it clear he will not be commenting on any transfer speculation.