Lovell signs Cherries deal

Bournemouth striker Steve Lovell has signed a new one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months at Dean Court.

Lovell, 30, has had a frustrating season following his return to the club last summer with an ankle injury keeping him out until April, but he struck twice for the Cherries in their play-off semi-final defeat to Huddersfield. Manager Lee Bradbury told the club's official website: "In the last few games Steve started to show what he's about. "He got his sharpness, fitness and confidence back and showed what he's capable of. Having played with Steve, I know what a good player he is and that was the reason that I was very keen to keep him here and it's a big boost. "It was a big decision for Steve because he has his fiancée in Scotland, but at Bournemouth, he has family members here and to be at the club where he started his career is a big draw for him." Lovell was signed by Portsmouth from Bournemouth for £250,000 in August 1999 and had loan spells at Exeter, Sheffield United and QPR before moving north of the border with Dundee, Aberdeen, Falkirk and then Partick before returning to Dean Court.