AFCB

First Team

Smith - There's nowhere else I want to be

Adam Smith has spoken of his delight after signing a new four-year contract with the Cherries.

Smith first arrived on the south coast in 2010, signing on loan as the club finished sixth in League One.

Four years later and the 26-year-old signed permanently from Tottenham, subsequently going on to play his part in the Cherries’ promotion from the Championship.

To date, Smith has featured regularly in Eddie Howe’s Premier League side, making 67 top flight appearances across two seasons.

“It’s a great achievement for myself to sign another four years,” he said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and now there’s more to come so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m settled here, I get along with the lads and the gaffer and everything is going well so there’s nowhere else I want to be.

“I’d obviously like to score a few more goals but mainly I’d just like to perform well all year and help the team climb up the table.

“I feel that I can get better. Working hard on the training pitch with the gaffer. I’m only 26 and I don’t think I’ve reached my peak so I think in the next few years I’m going to be playing my best football and I’m glad it’s here.

“We have a great team spirit down here. There’s a lot of English lads and a good mixture of foreign guys so it’s a great place to come and train.”

Smith, who has three Premier League goals to his name, also spoke of the Cherries’ progress and how he feels that next season can be the best yet.

“I think everyone’s very hungry to do well and better themselves. I’m sure the new players and the ones we’ve kept will help us do well next season.

“It’s not going to be easy. There are teams that have spent a lot of money but we’ve also made some great signings.

“I think we’ll be more confident next year. The gaffer’s done so well to get us here and there’s so much more to come.”