CHERRIES skipper Karl Broadhurst has welcomed defensive partner Eddie Howe back to Dean Court, insisting he will add "that bit extra" in Cherries' promotion push.

Howe's permanent move from Portsmouth was confirmed yesterday following a three-month loan spell in which he and Broadhurst built a solid partnership at the heart of the Cherries back-line.

The pair first struck up a promising understanding in the second half of the 2000-01 season and it continued to blossom before Howe's £400,000 transfer to Pompey on deadline day of the 2001-02 campaign.

And Broadhurst believes the return of the former England under-21 international has now added another dash of quality to Sean O'Driscoll's squad.

He said: "The situation been ongoing for quite a while now so it's nice to get it done and dusted. I expect Eddie's relieved because he just wants to get on and play. Now it's all finalised, it's another string to our bow and another bonus squad-wise.

"With our small squad, if we do have slight injuries, we have to rotate things around and we have that flexibility. Eddie adds more because he can play most positions at the back. It's good to get a settled squad and Eddie will add that bit extra to it.

"I think Eddie and I have struck up quite a good partnership, we look quite solid together and I enjoy playing alongside him. It's good to have him here and welcome him back. He knows everyone here so it's a good base for him to start again after the time at Portsmouth."

Of the remarkable 'Eddie Share' scheme dreamed up to help fund the 26-year-old's move to Dean Court, Broadhurst added: "He's always been a fans' favourite and the supporters have been putting their hands in their pockets now for the last few years here. Whenever we've needed help, they've always pulled through for us so it didn't surprise me they tried to help."