UNDER-18s boss Alan Connell hailed 2018-19 as an “incredible season” as nine Cherries youngsters signed contracts to progress into the under-21s.

Jake Scrimshaw heads the list after netting close to 100 goals over the past two years for the youth team as well as during a fruitful loan spell at Poole Town.

That form saw him crowned under-18 player of the year at this week’s club awards night.

As well as Scrimshaw, fellow strikers Jake Cope and Ryan Glover have also penned deals to join the under-21s next season.

Scotland under-19 international defender and Cherries youth team captain Brennan Camp joins the attacking trio with Calum Ward, Tom Hanfrey, Zeno Ibsen Rossi, Luke Nippard and Tom Dinsmore completing the set after coming through their two-year scholarship.

Connell’s side reached this year’s FA Youth Cup quarter-finals while many of his squad were part of the run for the under-21s as they won the Central League Cup.

Connell told the club’s website: “It’s been an incredible season.

“We’ve had a lot of player progress through to the under-21s and that is ultimately what it’s all about.

“We’ve got nine through, which speaks volumes for the work that goes in by the players and all the academy staff.

“Maturity will naturally happen and they need more men’s experience.

“A lot of them have been out on loan so I think they’re ready to have a right go and it will be interesting to see how they develop.”