Cherries have demonstrated their belief in manager Lee Bradbury by handing him a new three-and-a-half year contract – 48 hours before his first anniversary in charge.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell has, in the past few minutes, confirmed to the Daily Echo that Bradbury has agreed the improved deal, which will tie him to the Seward Stadium club until June 2015.

Initially appointed as caretaker manager 12 months ago on Sunday, Bradbury has won 20 of his 56 matches since succeeding Eddie Howe in the role.

He guided Cherries into the play-offs last season – where they lost at the hands of Huddersfield – and is aiming for another top-six finish this term after recovering from a difficult start to the campaign.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “We have watched him go from a player to a manager and we have worked well with him. He is somebody that will listen, take advice and learn.

“The signings he has brought in have been fantastic. He has accepted a couple of lads that both Tom (Mitchell, director) and myself put forward, which were Sheringham, Fogden and Bowles. That has been a combination of us having the knowledge of those players and Lee trusting our knowledge. I think everyone would admit they were bargains.

“Lee is quick to learn and he is now producing good football.

"He is always there, he is always available on the phone and he is playing good football.

"Tom and myself were talking and Lee didn’t ask for the extension. It was really mine and Tom's decision to offer him a longer contract, and I think it is a wise move."

Bradbury told the club website: "It means everything to me to sign a new contract and it is fantastic the club have put their faith in me to take us forward.

"I want to do just that and with the plans we've put in place and the players we've brought in, it was an easy decision to make.

"We've worked hard behind the scenes to make things better. The board have backed me and helped me, and long may that continue. We've made a few changes and results have started to come along.

"It is my first job in management and it is absolutely perfect for me to be at a club that's going places, and I feel we are making positive strides. To be in charge for the next three-and-a-half years is really good news for me."

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