NEW recruit Darryl Flahavan is gunning for the Cherries number one spot after spending a frustrating season kicking his heels at former club Portsmouth.

Flahavan this week completed a free transfer move from Fratton Park and penned a one-year contract – with a 12-month option – to become Lee Bradbury’s first new addition.

The 32-year-old revealed he had last summer held talks with former boss Eddie Howe regarding the possibility of joining Cherries before Pompey stepped in to offer him terms.

However, Jamie Ashdown’s impressive form restricted Flahavan to a watching brief – with the Romsey-based stopper failing to feature in any of Pompey’s 50 Championship and cup games.

Flahavan, whose late brother Aaron also played for Pompey, will commence battle for top billing with current first choice Shwan Jalal when Bradbury’s men return for the start of pre-season on Tuesday.

He told the Daily Echo: “I had a few offers from other clubs but everything suited me to come to Bournemouth. Lee’s ambition and the ambition of the club match mine. When the opportunity came up to come here, it was one I wanted to take so I am delighted to have signed.

“It was a frustrating time for me at Portsmouth and, unfortunately, my chance didn’t come. I always knew I wouldn’t start the season because Jamie Ashdown had sat behind David James for a while. His performances were good and I didn’t get an opportunity to play. It was still a great experience working with some great players day in, day out.

“I want to play and know I have got to come in and fight for my place. I know Shawn is a quality goalkeeper and I’m looking forward to battling for the shirt with him.”

Flahavan, who worked with Cherries goalkeeping coach Neil Moss during his time as an apprentice at Southampton, made more than 300 appearances for Southend, helping the Shrimpers climb from the depths of League Two to the Championship.

He added: “It was the most successful period in the club’s history and it was great being part of it. There is a lot of talent in the squad here and it reminds me of my time at Southend. We weren’t the biggest club but we got to the Championship and a lot of players made big reputations for themselves as a result.

“It is going to be difficult because Bournemouth won’t be an unknown quantity in League One next season. People are going to know more about them, especially after last season’s achievements.

“If we can keep the squad together as much as we can, I am sure we will have the ability to have another good season. We’re under no illusions that it is going to be difficult to repeat last season. But if we adopt the right attitude, I am sure the talent will come through in each game and stand us in good stead.”