LEWIS Cook insists that Scott Parker was instrumental in his decision to sign a new contract at Cherries, admitting: “That first meeting when I had a conversation with him I knew I wanted to sign.”

The 24-year-old has accepted a new three-year deal with the club that will keep him on the south coast until 2024, extending his stay after arriving from Leeds United in 2016.

Cook is currently battling back from his second serious knee injury in three years but is closing in on a return to on-pitch action, and must have been pleased with the faith the new head coach has shown in him.

The former England international captained the under-20s side to World Cup victory in 2017, displaying the potential he has to develop further as a player – which he says is something Parker wants to realise.

Speaking to the club website, Cook said: “Yeah delighted, I’m really happy with where the club is at, at the moment.

“Really excited with the new management team, the first few training sessions and games I’ve watched, really excited, we play some good football really happy to be involved, get it sorted get it signed, knuckle down and get back on the pitch.

“Obviously when he came in he sat me down, we had a meeting, he explained his philosophy and where he sees me, telling me he could improve me as a player etc.

“That first meeting when I had a conversation with him I knew I wanted to sign.”

The York-born midfielder can now look forward to a long Championship campaign with his future firmly settled, for the next three years at least.

He will now set his sights on a return to the pitch and Cherries’ targets of promotion back to the Premier League, where Cook made 35 appearances for the club between 2016-18.

Cook added: “I really want to kick on when I’m back, for myself personally and for the team. I think we can kick on individually and as a collective so hopefully it can be a good season.”