CHERRIES’ plans for next season have been given a major boost by the news that mercurial forward Brett Pitman intends to continue his blossoming career at Dean Court.

The 21-year-old striker finished the League Two campaign with a flourish – and took his goal tally for the year to 17 – with a fine double in Saturday’s emphatic 4-0 victory at Morecambe.

His exploits since Eddie Howe took over as Cherries boss proved to be a huge factor in the team’s revival and eventual relegation escape.

The qualities and goal-scoring prowess demonstrated by the Jersey-born star are unlikely to have gone unnoticed by rival clubs, however, as Football League managers up and down the country look at how best to improve their teams during the summer.

But Pitman, who has another season to run on his current contract, dismissed any possibility of a move and pledged his future to Cherries.

Speaking after his match-winning performance in Lancashire, the Cherries youth-team graduate told the Echo: “I’ve got another year left on my contract and I don’t see myself anywhere else apart from here.”

Pitman was often used sparingly by previous managers Kevin Bond and Jimmy Quinn, while he has also experienced more than his fair share of criticism from the terraces – with the boo-boys striking up a chorus following the 1-0 defeat to Notts County in March.

But with Howe recognising Cherries’ desperate need for a natural goalscorer, he put his faith in Pitman, who has rewarded that decision handsomely.

“I’ve loved working under Eddie,” revealed Pitman, who has scored more than 100 goals for the club at youth, reserve and senior level combined.

“He’s been a breath of fresh air since he came in.

“His preparation for each game is very good and it was no different for Morecambe, even though we were safe. It was very thorough.”

Pitman, who started in a free role behind a front three as Howe tried an attacking formation at Morecambe, was pleased to end the campaign with such a positive result.

He said: “We said before game that we wanted to go out on a high and I don’t think it gets much higher than winning 4-0 away from home, so we were delighted.

“I was pleased with my two goals. It’s nice to score but it’s more important that the performance was good.”