DEPARTING goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan revealed how being on the sidelines during Cherries’ finest hour had fuelled his desire to rekindle his playing career.

Flahavan opted to end his four-year stint at Dean Court this summer in order to pursue regular first-team football having found starts hard to come by over the past two years.

The former Portsmouth stopper, awarded a one-year deal last summer by boss Eddie Howe, was restricted to one League Cup appearance at Exeter and a 22-minute cameo after Lee Camp’s dismissal at Derby in September.

Howe gave “ultimate professional” Flahavan a glowing reference when the Daily Echo exclusively revealed his decision to leave last week with the 36-year-old determined not settle for a behind-the-scenes role.

Flahavan told the Daily Echo: “I know a lot of goalkeepers get to my age and want to tick over and wind down but I am totally the opposite.

“Slowing down just isn’t me and my target is to play well into my forties if I can. I am a determined person who wants to be in the thick of it and making headlines as much as anybody else.

“I have won league titles and promotions and there is no greater satisfaction than when you have played. When you’re in the squad, while it is still a fantastic achievement, you do feel slightly out of it.

“From my point of view I didn’t feel like I had made a great contribution. Behind the scenes I worked as hard as I could but that doesn’t replace the buzz of playing.

“The success really rubbed off on me and I want that again. I still have targets but I’m not going to be able to achieve those with Bournemouth. The club has moved so far forward.

“I’m not going to be part of their plans Premier League and I miss chucking myself around on a Saturday afternoon. It feels like the right time to start a new chapter.”

Flahavan thanked Howe and goalkeeper coach Neil Moss for their “valuable friendship and support” during his time at Dean Court as his search for a new club begins.

“I was very fortunate to work with some fantastic keepers and create some great friendships with people I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. I will always be grateful for that,” he added.

“There has been interest from one or two clubs but I’m going to take my time, digest things and take it from there. The next step has to be right for me.

“Having not played for a couple of seasons, I may have to and prove myself somewhere or wait for my chance but I am confident in my ability and quite happy to fight for my place, wherever that may be.

“I don’t want to pigeon hole myself but I have played at Championship or League One level for most of my career. I still feel as though I can perform there but would have no problem playing at any level.”