DARRYL Flahavan is set to sign a new Cherries contract and believes his wealth of experience can aid the club’s transition to Championship football.

The veteran stopper, 34, has revealed to the Daily Echo that he is on the verge of penning a deal to remain at Dean Court after missing most of Cherries’ historic promotion-winning season with a shoulder injury.

Ex-Southend United keeper Flahavan, ever-present in the Shrimpers’ last second-tier campaign six years ago, says he wants to stay and expects to successfully conclude negotiations within the next fortnight.

And the man who also served as back-up at Crystal Palace and Portsmouth in the Championship before signing for Cherries in the summer of 2011 has backed his less seasoned team-mates to show their credentials on the bigger stage.

Flahavan told the Daily Echo: “There are just a few things that need ironing out but everything seems to be fine and, hopefully, we can get the contract sorted and signed. I don’t see any real problems and everything should be resolved in the next week or so.

“I have had a few (clubs) sniffing around but nothing concrete. At the minute, I am focused on what I am being offered at Bournemouth. If nothing materialises then I would have to look around but I want to stay and nothing else has entered my mind.

“The current crop of players are an extremely talented bunch. They will be hungry for their first taste of Championship football and that goes a long way. With the quality we have got and the experience the gaffer has at that level, I think we can have a successful campaign.

“When you get promoted the first thing you want to do is consolidate, but you really find out where you are after 10 or 15 games and, if we can get a good start, who knows where we will end up.

“I am used to the Championship, I have been around that division and I know what it is all about. I have played in teams with lads who have been at that level for a number of years and the desire isn’t always there. A lot of our players are out to prove themselves and that will stand us in good stead.

“It is going to be a great season, especially for the supporters who will have some great days out at fantastic stadiums.”

Meanwhile, Flahavan, who missed just two matches during the 2011-12 campaign, insists he won’t be staying to settle for a place on the bench, despite current first choice Ryan Allsop’s stellar displays between the sticks.

Flahavan added: “I don’t expect to walk straight into the team but I am staying to fight for the shirt. I think Ryan deserves his chance but I’m coming back in pre-season to work hard and my ambition is to play. Ryan is, quite rightly, in possession of the shirt so it is down to me to put pressure on him.”