ALAN Connell today breaks his silence on his contract limbo and admits: “I’d like to be here next season but it’s out of my hands.”

The forward’s future remains uncertain – with time running out for him to find a new club if he is unable to secure a fresh deal at Dean Court.

Connell was one of four players not offered re-engagement when he met Cherries boss Eddie Howe for talks last month.

But while Sammy Igoe, Scott Guyett and Jeff Goulding were told they were being released, the door was left ajar for Connell, with Howe saying: “It is not definite that Alan will not be here next season.”

Connell confirmed that Howe told him at the end of the season that he would like to keep him, but that finances did not allow for a new deal at that stage, although the situation could change.

New recruits Steve Lovell and Michael Symes have since bolstered Cherries’ attacking resources but Connell, who is free to talk to other clubs with his contract due to expire at the end of the month, has not given up hope of staying at Dean Court.

“I hope I’m playing for Bournemouth next season because I really enjoyed it last season, but it’s out of my hands really,” Connell told the Echo.

“I spoke to Eddie at the end of the season and we’ve had one other quick chat on the phone and the situation at the moment is still the same.

“I’m in limbo but time is cracking on and it’s getting to the point now where I need to start making some decisions soon.

“I don’t want to put a timescale on it, but pre-season is only two or three weeks away and I need to sort myself out by then.

“We’ll see what happens but Eddie knows, and I think everyone knows, that I’d like to stay at the club where I really enjoy playing.

“I’d love a crack at League One again and I feel we could do really well next season and I’d like to be a part of it.”

Connell has endured more than his share of troubles during his second spell at the club, with his injury problems put into perspective by the death of his mother Sue, who passed away in March 2009 following illness.

The former Brentford star went on to show glimpses of his best form towards the end of Cherries’ promotion season, silencing the minority who had previously criticised him with a series of good displays.

He added: “I know that I gave 100 per cent to the club every time I played, whatever position I played in.

“People are entitled to their opinions and I respect that. The majority of supporters are absolutely fantastic and I have always enjoyed playing for and in front of them.

“They have always given me tremendous support and I’m grateful for that. Hopefully that will continue and, if not, that’s just one of those things.”