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First Team

Surridge pens new contract

Striker Sam Surridge has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract at AFC Bournemouth.

The England Under-21 international’s deal will keep him at Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2024.

Surridge is a product of the Cherries’ youth set-up, having joined the club at the age of 14 and progressed through the ranks to make two Premier League appearances to date.

He has also enjoyed spells on loan at Weymouth Town, Poole Town, Yeovil Town, Oldham Athletic and Swansea City – being recalled from the latter on New Year’s Day.

While at Swansea, Surridge scored seven goals in 23 appearances for the Championship promotion-chasers.

“I’m delighted to sign this new contract and I’m really looking forward to the next few years here,” Surridge told afcbTV.

“My first target is to try and impress the manager, to get into the team and then make an impact. That’s what I’ve been brought back to do so I will try my best to make it happen and to help the team.

“I’ve had some great experiences on loan over the last few seasons and I believe I can use everything I’ve learned now I’m back.”

AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, said: “Sam has a natural instinct for goalscoring and he has proven his ability to score goals at every level he’s played at.

“He has improved mentally and physically for his time in the Championship with Swansea, and the challenge now is for him to make the step up to the Premier League.

“That is a big step to make but if Sam works hard and shows the right attitude then we believe he can prove himself at this level.”

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: “It is imperative for the future of the club that we bring through players from the academy and Sam has demonstrated that if you have the right attitude and application then there is a pathway to the first team squad.

“Sam deserves this new contract following his hard work both here at Bournemouth and during his recent loan spell at Swansea. We are looking forward to watching his continued development at the club over the coming seasons.”