DELIGHTED boss Kevin Bond described Sam Vokes's decision to continue his footballing education with Cherries as "perfect for us".

The 18-year-old opted to stay at Dean Court after turning down the chance to join Cherries' League One relegation rivals Crewe.

Vokes was made aware of Crewe's interest after the Cheshire outfit had tabled a £200,000 bid for the teenage striker earlier this week.

And although it is unclear whether the offer was accepted, it is believed Vokes was given permission to speak to Crewe, suggesting it had been.

But after weighing up his options and discussing the situation at length with his parents Tim and Penny, Vokes chose to stay put.

Bond said: "We made Sam aware of Crewe's interest and told him that we didn't want him to go. He thought about it with his family for a while before ringing me to tell me he would be staying here.

"There was no pressure on me whatsoever to sell him. The chairman knew my feelings that I didn't want us to sell him and he was of the same opinion.

"I've always been of the opinion that I would never want to keep a player if he didn't want to be here because I don't think you would get the best out of them.

"I also knew that if somebody made an offer for him, he would find out so I thought it was best that he found out from me.

"It is perfect for us that he wants to stay and we are glad to keep him. Hopefully we can continue to help him progress into a really good player.

"It's always nice when somebody else wants you and it must mean you are doing something right. But what's even nicer is that Sam said he didn't want to go. He said he was enjoying his football here and that was just what we wanted to hear."

Vokes, who has hit five goals for Cherries this season, is just 13 months into a three-and-a-half year contract. He has also scored four times in six appearances for Wales under-21s.

Raised in Lymington, the teenager has continued to make eye-catching progress since bursting on to the scene midway through last season.

Vokes said: "I'm local, I still live at home with my family and that was a massive factor for me. I want to stay here and move forward with this club.

"I've only been involved with the first team for a year and it was flattering to hear of Crewe's interest. It's always good for people to show an interest.

"I've been here for a few years and I've come through the ranks. The club has brought me through so I'm hoping to help get us out of the situation we're in.

"It's been a massive experience for me because I've never been in this situation before. I got advice from a lot of people, mainly my parents because we're a close family.

"I'm still young and learning my trade. Every player wants to play at the highest level and I just want to do well for Bournemouth at the moment."