UNDER-21 pair Ben Whitfield and Jack Simpson have been handed fresh contracts by Cherries.

The 20-year-old prospect, plucked from non-league Guiseley in January 2014, has penned a one-year deal that runs until the summer of 2017.

Whitfield, formerly with Bradford City until the age of 16, has spent much of this season on loan with National League strugglers Kidderminster Harriers, establishing himself as a firm fans’ favourite at Aggborough since signing in October.

Defender Simpson, a product of the club’s Academy, has terms committing him to the Dorset club for the next two years.

"I am delighted for Ben and Jack," said under-21s manager Stephen Purches.

"They are both getting very valuable experiences at the moment in and around first team football.

"It is up to them now to make the most of this time and learn from the senior pros that they find themselves playing and training with.

"Knowing the attitudes of both players, I have no doubt that they will do that and begin to see the rewards of their hard work."

Purches was speaking to the club website. 

  • For an exclusive feature with Whitfield on his experiences at Kidderminster and his hopes for the future at Cherries, see tomorrow's print edition of the Daily Echo.