WHILE the number of players in the Cherries squad from the Championship title-winning team of 2014-15 dwindles every year, one man still going strong is Artur Boruc.

The veteran goalkeeper, who more than played his part in that promotion success by making 37 appearances in the second tier as a loanee from Southampton, has this week put pen-to-paper on a new one-year contract with Cherries.

Having spent the early part of the season watching on from the bench behind Asmir Begovic, Boruc usurped the Bosnian in January and ended the campaign with 17 appearances to his name.

Those displays earned him another new deal and in February the Pole will have passed his 40th birthday during what is set to be his sixth season in Dorset.

While Boruc stays, Marc Pugh will be exiting this summer, meaning four of the XI who started the majority of Championship fixtures five years ago have now departed the club with Tommy Elphick, Matt Ritchie and Yann Kermorgant all sold since promotion to the top flight.

Of the other seven, Harry Arter spent last season on loan at Cardiff while Simon Francis, Charlie Daniels and Andrew Surman all missed big chunks of last season with various injuries and are now heading into the final year of their respective contracts.

Steve Cook and Callum Wilson complete the set with both likely to play key roles again in 2019-20.

Discussing the gradual changing of the guard, boss Eddie Howe said: “I think we’ve seen quite a big transition in the team this year due to loads of different factors.

“I think the average age of our team has come down, which I think is a really good thing for the future.”

While Howe may be seeking younger players outfield, the overall goalkeeping picture at Cherries remains unclear heading into next season.

As well as Begovic and Boruc, Mark Travers shot into the spotlight with a man-of-the-match display on his debut against Tottenham in May. Added to the mix is Aaron Ramsdale, who is returning from an impressive loan spell at AFC Wimbledon where he helped them to League One safety and won a host of club awards.

Despite having four capable keepers on the books, speculation has still been rife this summer, linking Cherries with a new man between the sticks including Jack Butland, Simon Mignolet, Nick Pope and Bartlomiej Dragowski.

But as Howe told the Daily Echo, he feels Boruc still has plenty to offer.

“Absolutely, I think Artur’s shown that he’s got a lot more to give,” said the Cherries boss.

“I’ve been really impressed with Artur. He’s worked incredibly hard at his game.

“At his age to go a long time without playing to then suddenly be thrust into action, if you’re not looking and doing what you need to do then there’s no way you can perform.

“He came in and did that really well.”

Whoever does make up the goalkeeping department come August, the experience of Boruc will be no doubt be invaluable once again for the upcoming campaign.