Bournemouth defender Steve Cook has signed a new deal for the club, the Cherries have announced.  The 26-year-old played every minute for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season and made more clearances (352) than any other player.  “AFC Bournemouth defender Steve Cook has signed a new long-term contract,” a statement read on the club’s official website.  “The 26-year-old centre-back has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, which will keep him at Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2021.  “Cook arrived in Bournemouth from Brighton and Hove Albion in September 2011, initially on loan, and made the switch permanent four months later.  “Since then, he has been a regular at the heart of the Cherries’ rearguard, playing every minute of their 2016/17 Premier League season and picking up two awards in the club’s end of season honours.  “To date, Cook has made 231 appearances for AFC Bournemouth, scoring 15 goals.” 

On the new deal, Cook said: “It has always been my plan to stay here as long as possible, so to be given the chance to do that is really pleasing.  “Myself and AFC Bournemouth have been the perfect match. Since the manager came in, things have been forever moving upwards and that has matched my own ambitions.  “These are exciting times to be at the club and hopefully we can continue to have as much success as we have had in the last few years.”  Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe added: “This new contract is fully deserved after the season Steve has had.  “He has developed into an outstanding defender, has shown great consistency and has proved himself capable of playing at the very highest level.  “I am delighted Steve sees his long-term future at AFC Bournemouth because he is a major part of our plans going forward.”