Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe delighted to keep Lewis Grabban at Dean Court

LEWIS GRABBAN claims he owed it to himself to speak to Brighton before deciding to stay put at Dean Court.

Grabban has been in good form recently, and Bournemouth are delighted to keep him at Dean Court 

 The Bournemouth striker had a day to remember after signing an improved three-and-a-half year deal before kick-off.

After putting pen to paper, he scored one penalty and missed another as his team came from behind to claim a draw.

Grabban had been expected to join the Seagulls after they triggered his £1.1m release clause.

But he spoke to both clubs before opting to extend his stay with Bournemouth until 2017.

“There wasn’t something that changed my mind,” he said.

“I decided my future was best at Bournemouth.
“I never once said I was one hundred per cent leaving.
“It’s just how football runs – someone comes in for you and you see what they have to say.”

His manager Eddie Howe is delighted to keep hold of one of his prize assets.
Howe said: “I’m really pleased, Lewis has been a star performer for us this year.

“You just have to look at the goal scoring charts to see how important he is for us.”

Gabrielle Angella had scored his only previous league goals this season in Watford’s 6-1 win over the Cherries at Vicarage Road.
And he added another to his tally when he headed in Lewis McGugan’s cross just before half time.
But he was then sent off after a case of mistaken identity as Fitz Hall pulled back Grabban in the area.

Grabban slotted in the penalty and could have had another when Manuel Almunia fouled Marc Pugh.
But he fluffed his chance of a dream day as Almunia guessed correctly when Grabban switched corners.

The result means Watford now have just one win in their last 14 league matches.
“Bournemouth are a good team, I hope they stay up because they play lovely football,” Almunia said.
“We need a win and then a couple of wins in a row but confidence is high and the lads are working hard.”