LOCAL lad George Webb admits it was a dream come true to earn his first professional contract with Cherries – but he won’t rest until he has fully repaid Eddie Howe’s faith.

The lifelong Cherries fan was left “over the moon” when Dean Court boss Howe offered him a three-month deal to continue his footballing education in Dorset.

But there is no question that 18-year-old Webb, a lively character and versatile player, will be resting on his laurels.

The youth team product is determined to prove his worth and not miss his big chance.

Speaking to the Echo, the Poole-born talent said: “My main goal now is to repay Eddie.

“He could have said ‘no’, but he has given me time and I’ve got to impress and do everything I can to catch the eye and hopefully get my deal extended.

“I’ll work hard over the summer and come in for pre-season and make an impact.”

Webb, educated at Oakdale Middle School and Poole High School, looked up to players like Carl Fletcher, Brian Stock and Jermain Defoe as he grew up watching Cherries as a young football follower.

Now he has the opportunity to make the move from fan on the terraces to hero on the pitch.

And one person he is hoping to impress is his dad, who is a long-time supporter of the club.

“My dad has been a big fan since he was younger,” explained Webb.

“I was over the moon for him because he’s supported Bournemouth all his life and hopefully he’s proud of me.

“Joe Roach (Cherries head of youth) has also played a massive part and he’s done so much for me. He changed me as a player and a person.

“When I first came in I had problems with still being a kid and Joe made me grow up and realise that it’s a job and that was a wake-up call.”

Webb proved a big hit with Cherries’ travelling fans when he made his debut on the final day of the League Two season at Morecambe.

When asked about the enthusiastic reception he was given, he modestly replied: “I couldn’t believe it and was surprised they even knew my name.

“They were singing my name and I thought I’d heard it wrong because I was warming up with Fletch (Steve Fletcher) and the fans were singing my name!”

Webb and fellow second-year apprentice Steve Hutchings, who will also be retained on an initial three-month contract, will both be bidding to follow in the footsteps of previous homegrown Cherries stars including Brett Pitman and Sam Vokes.