'Iraola extension sends Bournemouth into the summer with a real bounce'

A vast number of Bournemouth fans are resigned to losing some of their key figures this summer, including the likes of Euros hopeful Dominic Solanke - who would command a significant fee - and defender Lloyd Kelly, who is expected to leave on a free.

But if there was one that it was imperative the Cherries tied down, it was head coach Andoni Iraola. He has re-invigorated a club that had been at a crossroads.

His style of football and level of success in leading the team to a record Premier League points tally have rebuilt the connection with the fanbase, backed of course by the financial power of American owner Bill Foley.

Iraola is a humble, self-effacing individual. He is only comfortable operating on short contracts, because he presumably wants to operate with an edge, to drive standards high.

While Bournemouth fans would love him to have signed a four or five-year deal, that was never going to be something Iraola was comfortable with.

In fact, I know the Cherries were delighted to even get him to commit to two years when he first joined, so to extend that further sends the club into the summer with a real bounce.