MARC Pugh could easily have upped sticks as well.

Like a number of the club’s other prized assets, Pugh had been a wanted man following an impressive first season at Dean Court.

He featured in all but five games as Cherries reached the League One play-offs and came off the bench in both legs of the semi-final against Huddersfield.

By the end of the August 2011 transfer window, no fewer than six members of the Cherries squad had left for pastures new, while Pugh chose to remain.

Often linked with clubs from a higher level, Pugh regularly resisted the temptation to leave, his decision contradicting the adage about the grass always being greener.

The scorer of Cherries’ first goal in the Championship this season, winger Pugh has been a mainstay as Eddie Howe’s team has raised more than a few eyebrows.

Ever present in the league, with six of his appearances coming from the bench, the 27-year-old is reaping the rewards of his loyalty to the club.

“I have felt sharp,” said Pugh, who bagged his first hat-trick for the club in the 8-0 demolition of Birmingham. “I feel as if I’m getting better with every game.

"Last season was an eye-opener, especially the tempo of the football in the Championship.

“I needed to get used to it and so did the other lads who had never experienced the level. I feel as though I’m in tune with it now.

“It was tough at the start of the season because I was in and out and didn’t play as much as I would have liked. But we’ve got a great squad and nobody is guaranteed a place. You have to work hard to get in and even harder to stay in.

“I have been really pleased with my recent form. I’ve been getting goals and assists and could have had more with a bit more luck.”

Winner of the coveted Daily Echo-Micky Cave supporters’ player-of-the-year trophy in 2012, Pugh was Cherries’ leading goalscorer in his first two seasons at the club.

Signed for a bargain £100,000 from Hereford in June 2010, the popular Lancastrian has experienced plenty of highs and lows during his time in Dorset.

“I’ve certainly seen a lot of comings and goings!” laughed Pugh, who will tonight lock horns with his close friend Jason Pearce, one of the six to leave Dean Court in the wake of the play-off near-miss.

“In those days, it was mostly goings and, nowadays, it’s mostly comings!

“Some of the lads who moved on have gone on to make great careers for themselves and proved just what a good squad we had.

“Now, we’ve got a mix of young and experienced players who are all champing at the bit to be successful. This is the best squad by far I have played with and I’m sure there is a lot more to come.

“Hopefully, I’ve proved my worth to the club and will continue to. I believe we are building something special and want to be a part of it.

“If the manager brings in players this month, it would provide even more competition for places and that would only benefit us for the rest of the season.”

Signed by Eddie Howe from Hereford, Pugh admits he was saddened by the plight of the Bulls who folded recently due to financial problems: “I was really disappointed and upset. I think they needed £1million to survive and that’s what some Premier League clubs spend on wages for a couple of players.

“I know the fans are trying to rebuild the club and I’m sure it will be back. Hereford got my career back on track and the move to Bournemouth was the best thing that ever happened to me.”