Thursday 24 July 2014 16:01, UK
Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick is looking to impress in 2014/15 and earn himself a new long-term contract.
The 26-year-old has entered the final year of his current deal and will see a three-year stint on the south coast come to an end next summer if no fresh terms are tabled.
Elphick is, however, determined to ensure that his performances help to force the issue and leave manager Eddie Howe with little choice but to offer an extension.
Hitting the ground running will be imperative for all of those playing for their future, with the start of the new season now a little over a fortnight away.
For me, coming into the last year of my contract, I want to make up the gaffer’s mind for him and do that pretty early.
Elphick told the Daily Echo on his hopes for the future: “For me, coming into the last year of my contract, I want to make up the gaffer’s mind for him and do that pretty early.
“You look across the country and there are not many clubs with a forward-thinking management team like ours and an owner who is prepared to back us.
“We are a very fortunate bunch of players and, of course, I want to continue to be a part of that.
“This is a genuinely progressive club and one of the very few in the country that can honestly say that.
“It’s a great feeling to come in every day and know that standing still is not an option. Everything at the club is geared up to make you succeed.
“People talk about the rewards you get in this game but there is no bigger reward for me than winning, it’s a feeling you cannot replace and that winning mentality runs throughout this group.
“Whether you’re in the first year or the last year of your contract makes no difference to how you approach things, this club won’t wait for people so you’ve got to be at it every day whoever you are.
“I’m a firm believer that if you apply yourself correctly and play to the best of your ability, things tend to take care of themselves and, as always, I’ll be giving everything to impress the manager.”
