Sending out a message - Cook's not for sale

In demand, Steve Cook.

Having lost Lewis Grabban this summer it appears that AFCB are moving fast now to renegotiate the 23-year-old defender's terms of his contract which already will keep him at Dean Court until June 2016 unless someone comes in with an offer that is acceptable. That is the worry if he is currently under valued by the Cherries and there is interest as suggested about.

I also believe Cook's signature on a new deal would be something of a message to other players who might be thinking of a move that Eddie Howe is keen to keep as many of the players as he can from last season's team. There are others that might be targets for other clubs such as Eunan O'Kane or Matt Ritchie, but if new contracts are handed out to lots of players will that reduce the kitty available to bring others in? Will it also unbalance the pay structure and lead to some disharmony? I hope not and that all the players see anyone getting a new contract as a positive thing and that players who do well are rewarded.

The timing of Cook's contract negotiations as yesterday reported by SkySports suggests to me that the Cherries are expecting an approach in the next few days or weeks. Replacing another key player is something that Eddie Howe clearly does not want to have to do this summer and Cook will be the beneficiary of that strategy. Considering that Elliott Ward was brought in to add experience to the centre backs at the club, Steve Cook has done amazingly well to cement his place in the side for so many games last season. There was the odd mistake but he was so often the saviour and he will still probably telling everyone about his last minute goal against Barnsley for years to come. It's those special moments that will help players like Cook to feel that they are key members of the team and that there are more good times to come on the south coast.

Meanwhile, Tony Pulis and others (Wolves for example) can either stump up or look elsewhere. Steve Cook doesn't look like he will be one of those players that Eddie will let go in a hurry. 

Radio Solent also tweeted that Darryl Flahavan signed a one year extension to his contract yesterday as AFCB look to secure the squad for next season. AFCB have also drawn Exeter City away in the first round of the Capital One Cup - tie to be played week beginning 11 August.

World Cup Chimes has reaction to Germany's blasting of Portugal and a preview of Russia v South Korea.

World Cup viewing
De Vere's Urban Village Hotel in Bournemouth are sponsors of Cherry Chimes and are getting ready for England's next game. 

Next Carnival Day Thursday 19th June
England v Uruguay
- Live DJ, Brazilian Carnival Dancers & children’s face painting.
- Entertainment commencing from 17.00, kick off at 20.00

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- The Victory will be serving food until 22.00 for the entire duration of the World Cup.
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