POPULAR winger Max Gradel has revealed his delight after re-joining Cherries on loan for the remainder of the season.

The fans' favourite returned to parent club Leicester City at the start of this month, but has quickly returned to Dean Court for a second spell on the south coast after Cherries boss Kevin Bond fought off competition from League One rivals Crewe to seal the deal.

And Gradel, who scored five goals in 19 appearances during his first stint in Dorset, is eager to get back into action.

He said: "I'm very pleased. I'm definitely looking forward to it, no question about that. I'm very happy to be coming down there to play again."

Bond feels the exciting wide man gives his team an added dimension.

"I'm very pleased to have him back," Bond told the Daily Echo.

"He did well for us and we've done well for him. He's popular in the club and popular in the dressing room.

"He's got that bit of something different that we otherwise probably haven't got. It's great to have him back on board."

Gradel, however, was not signed in time to take part in this afternoon's relegation clash at Cheltenham Town.

Meanwhile, new signing Jo Tessem has been granted international clearance and is in contention to make his debut against Cheltenham.

  • Kevin Blackwell has resigned as manager of League One strugglers Luton Town, adding to the club's woes. A number of players have left the club, which is in administration, in recent days. Blackwell's final game in charge is expected to be against Cherries on February 9.