Last season
An overwhelming success for their first season in the Premier League, Bournemouth more than held their own in the country's top league. A number of high profile scalps, including Manchester United at home, led the Cherries to a respectable 16th place, five clear of the relegation zone and five below 11th.
Backroom setup
Despite rumours that England came calling for Eddie Howe (which I would definitely have liked more than Sam Allardyce - sorry Bournemouth fans!), it's no change at the Vitality Stadium. The league's youngest manager remains in charge to handle the tricky second season.
Despite rumours that England came calling for Eddie Howe (which I would definitely have liked more than Sam Allardyce - sorry Bournemouth fans!), it's no change at the Vitality Stadium. The league's youngest manager remains in charge to handle the tricky second season.
Pre-season
Five pre-season matches for the Cherries to prepare for the new Premier League, starting with a resounding 4-0 win against US second division side Minnesota United in the USA. Both Callum Wilson and Lewis Grabban hit the target with an own goal taking Bournemouth to a comfortable win. Their following match back on English soil was less comfortable, however. A thrilling South Coast derby with Portsmouth saw both teams hold the lead, with Portsmouth rescuing a draw in the final moments.
While Bournemouth would remain unbeaten throughout the remainder of their warm-up games, every win would be punctuated with draws. A trip to the Madejski Stadium led to a 1-1 draw, before a narrow victory over Cardiff. While the Cherries did draw their final game, it was against Valencia, so they can certainly enter into the new season with some confidence.
Five pre-season matches for the Cherries to prepare for the new Premier League, starting with a resounding 4-0 win against US second division side Minnesota United in the USA. Both Callum Wilson and Lewis Grabban hit the target with an own goal taking Bournemouth to a comfortable win. Their following match back on English soil was less comfortable, however. A thrilling South Coast derby with Portsmouth saw both teams hold the lead, with Portsmouth rescuing a draw in the final moments.
While Bournemouth would remain unbeaten throughout the remainder of their warm-up games, every win would be punctuated with draws. A trip to the Madejski Stadium led to a 1-1 draw, before a narrow victory over Cardiff. While the Cherries did draw their final game, it was against Valencia, so they can certainly enter into the new season with some confidence.
Squad and signings
The most important thing, as for many of the lower-mid table Premier League teams, is to avoid losing their top stars. On the whole, Bournemouth have done exactly that. Though they've lost both Matt Richie and Tommy Elphick to relegated Newcastle and Aston Villa respectively, they've recouped more than enough to fund some serious transfers of their own.
The headline move was for Liverpool's Jordon Ibe, with a £15m tag potentially pricey. Youth has certainly been the order of the day for the Cherries, adding Liverpool's Brad Smith, Lewis Cook from Leeds, as well as Nathan Ake on loan. In total, Bournemouth have signed eight players, with none over the age of 25.
The most important thing, as for many of the lower-mid table Premier League teams, is to avoid losing their top stars. On the whole, Bournemouth have done exactly that. Though they've lost both Matt Richie and Tommy Elphick to relegated Newcastle and Aston Villa respectively, they've recouped more than enough to fund some serious transfers of their own.
The headline move was for Liverpool's Jordon Ibe, with a £15m tag potentially pricey. Youth has certainly been the order of the day for the Cherries, adding Liverpool's Brad Smith, Lewis Cook from Leeds, as well as Nathan Ake on loan. In total, Bournemouth have signed eight players, with none over the age of 25.
Tactics
With the second season traditionally tricky, I hope Bournemouth continue to play the same attacking football that earned them such praise last year. I think they will, and the width provided by Max Gradel and Jordon Ibe is likely to play a crucial role, with full backs Ake and the returning Tyrone Mings to provide support on the overlap.
With the second season traditionally tricky, I hope Bournemouth continue to play the same attacking football that earned them such praise last year. I think they will, and the width provided by Max Gradel and Jordon Ibe is likely to play a crucial role, with full backs Ake and the returning Tyrone Mings to provide support on the overlap.
Predictions
As we have seen time and time again with recently promoted teams, the second season syndrome is real. I feel that while I enjoy Bournemouth's attacking football, the inexperience in the squad in terms of Premier League football could lead them into a nervous situation, and it will take real heart to get them out of it. I think they will, but just.
Final position: 17th
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