Can the Cherries make it to the play-off’s this time?…
Bournemouth
Last Season
Following their promotion back to Championship last season, Bournemouth eclipsed all expectations with their 10th place finish, just six points off the play-off places. Their season started indifferently with away form looking like it would be a real issue for them, but their form picked up around Christmas and continued right the way through until the end of the season. Dean Court is a particularly difficult place to go, and Bournemouth play some excellent football under the stewardship of bright young manager Eddie Howe. The board also have big plans for the future of the club although their downfall could be their compliance with FFP. Playing in a small stadium and making relatively little money the club ran up a large debt last season in their endeavour’s to be successful. They have been impressive in the transfer market this summer however replacing Lewis Grabban with Coventry hotshot Callum Wilson, also bolstering the midfield with Junior Stanislas and Dan Gosling.
Manager
Eddie Howe is widely respected as one of the upcoming managers in the English game. After a successful first spell at his home club Bournemouth, Howe struggled with the step up to the Championship at Burnley never managing to break free of mid-table. However a return to Bournemouth in November 2012 saw him take them on an amazing run that ended with promotion followed by an excellent first season in the Championship. Bournemouth play some really good football which means they can mix it with anyone in the Championship even if they are a little open at times.
Transfers
In:Callum Wilson (Coventry City), Dan Gosling (Newcastle Utd), Junior Stanislas (Burnley)
Out:Lewis Grabban (Norwich City), Shwan Jalal (Bury), Richard Hughes (Retired)
Loans Out:Matt Tubbs (AFC Wimbledon), Ryan Allsop, Mohamed Coulibaly (Coventry City), Miles Addison (Scunthorpe Utd)
This Season
Bournemouth don’t have the biggest squad but they have added quality over the summer. Their 10th place finish last season was unexpected but they could be in and around the play-off places again if they improve their away record. They are always a difficult proposition for any team at home but only seven wins away from home was ultimately the reason they lost out on the play-offs. Mid-table again for me.
