Bournemouth midfielder Marvin Bartley has agreed a new contract to stay with the League Two club until 2012.
Howe delighted midfielder is staying at Dean Court
Bournemouth midfielder Marvin Bartley has agreed a new contract to stay with the League Two promotion hopefuls until 2012.
Bartley's deal was due to expire at the end of the season, but he has accepted terms to stick with Eddie Howe's side.
Cherries boss Howe is happy to reward Bartley, who has scored twice in 85 appearances since joining the club in 2007.
Howe told the Daily Echo: "We're delighted he wants to stay and I see him as an important part of the future at this club. I think he's improved a lot in the past couple of months.
"We want to continue to work with him and to continue the improvements with his game because we really believe in him.
"He has had to be patient because there is real competition in the centre of the park and we've got some really good central midfielders.
"Marv knew he had to wait for his chance but, once he got it, he took it with both hands and has been excellent in the past few weeks.
"He always shows the right attitude, he's a great lad and a joy to work with. Those factors made us want to extend his stay here."
