A fifth year in the top-flight beckons for AFC Bournemouth. The smallest of the south coast clubs, the Cherries are well aware of their limits. However, this hasn’t faulted their drive and ambition. With investment in youth, strengthening in key areas, as well as the plans that have been approved for a new stadium, things are on the rise at the Vitality.
How Bournemouth Got Here:
With chairman Jeff Mostyn being conservative as ever with finances, Bournemouth shopped smart during this summer window. Lloyd Kelly joined the club for £13m from Bristol City, followed by Philip Billing arriving from Huddersfield Town for £15m. Arnaut Danjuma recently arrived from Club Brugge for a reported £16m. However, going back to the club’s start helps to reveal just how impressive their achievements are.
A 21st placed finish in League Two in 2008/09 with the club in deep financial trouble, even the most optimistic fan would not have foreseen that just over a decade later, the club would be crowned second division champions. With geographical rivals Southampton representing the south coast in the top-flight, Bournemouth exploded onto the scene. Starting 2015/16 as arguably the smallest club to play in the Premier League, the Cherries soon established that size doesn’t matter. Wins over Manchester United at home and a 3-0 victory at then-champions Chelsea, Bournemouth put themselves on the map.
Old school forward Glenn Murray leading the line feels a lifetime ago. Since then, the arrivals of Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Josh King and Jordon Ibe have transformed the way they play. Throughout their rise from League One to the Premier League, Eddie Howe has always had confidence in his way of playing. Admittedly though, Bournemouth ship goals. Even with achieving a mid-table finish last season, the Cherries still managed to concede seventy goals, working out at 1.8 goals per game.
What to Expect:
The transfer window has left many with food for thought. Billing will give David Brooks the freedom to press forward into a number 10 role, while Danjuma adds to an already threatening line-up. A push for a second top ten finish will be the aim for Howe and his men. With all their rivals also splashing the cash, it will be the toughest season yet. Crystal Palace and Watford are Bournemouth’s closest rivals to finishing in the top half. With the Eagles yet to make a first-team signing, and Watford not being the most active either, the Cherries are arguably in pole-position. With Bournemouth, all that can be guaranteed is ever-exciting football.
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