AFC Bournemouth: "That's Howe It's Done"

'Cor fantastic!

http://www.thedaisycutter.co.uk/2012/11/how-to-be-harry-redknapp-in-6-simple-steps/

Nice work good luck with the rest of the story.

Arvind: Oh wow...

sott144: Cheers bud.

ooo 'Arry

Justice: Yup, 'Arry is back at Bournemouth!

---

Bournemouth have confirmed the arrivals of Luke Garbutt on loan and Yann Songo’o in a permanent switch, while Ian Harte, Josh McQuoid and Darryl Flahavan have finalised exits.

The departures aren’t particularly surprising either, with all three players having fallen out of favour in recent times. First on the list is veteran Harte, the left back on the move to Barnsley, for a fee of £20k. Despite possessing good technical ability and experience in abundance, his deteriorating physical condition was obviously too much of a problem, in the mind of Eddie Howe. Capped a massive 64 times for Republic of Ireland, he enjoyed the most success in his career with Ledds, only spending the single season with The Cherries.

Following him out of the door is striker Josh McQuoid, a figure who was scarcely seen in Bournemouth colours last season and was shipped out to Peterborough on loan – failing to make much of an impact. What is surprising however, is his new destination, West Ham having taken a punt on the player. £500k recouped can be seen as a great bit of business from the prospective of the selling club, for sure.

The last name, for now at least, is Darryl Flahavan. At 36 years old, the goalkeeper has had few opportunities to play in the last couple of seasons, largely down to injuries. Still, the fact that he has now left the club will be saddening news to some having earned the reputation of being one of football’s ‘nice guys’ and an ‘outstanding character and professional’, in the words of his former manager. It seems he will struggle to get game time with his new team too as it was Newcastle who paid the price of £10k for his services, strangely enough with Tim Krul, Rob Elliot and Jak Alnwick already at the club.

---

Josh McQuoid and Darryl Flahavan have both relocated to Premier League sides, but having failed to make the grade in the Championship, will have to up their game massively if they are to get anywhere near the match day squad.

---

Onto the new boys, the first of which being Everton’s highly rated youngster, Luke Garbutt. Touted as the next Leighton Baines by his parent club, he is seen as a youthful replacement for Ian Harte at Dean Court, and is also likely to take the first team spot from existing player Charlie Daniels. His energy and drive allow him to provide support from attacking areas as well as fulfill his duties, and what’s even more impressive, is he has the quality of delivery to match the work rate. It’s no surprise then that Garbutt has represented England at Under 21 level on 5 occasions, but will know be looking to make his mark on the south coast, having signed a season long loan.

Fellow addition Yann Songo’o has joined on a lengthier basis, however, agreeing a 3 year deal at the club. The transfer deal itself outlaid around £1.2m of the budget, but as another player with age on his side, that fee will be seen as a bargain if he develops as anticipated. The former Blackburn central defender is of Cameroon nationality and will be looking to push Steve Cook, Tommy Elphick and Elliot Ward, for a spot in the starting line-up.

---

Last Update: The Return of Redknapp
Next Update: Howe: Squad Is Strong Enough

Nice transfers, I hope they perform for you. I like your writing in the updates, too.

Two very good signings in Garbutt and Songo'o, hopefully they'll perform!

Oz96: Thanks man, appreciate the comment.

Justice: Yeah, I'm certainly hoping so!

---

Eddie Howe has insisted that Bournemouth have completed their transfer business for the summer, and are now fully focused on tackling the challenges presented by the upcoming Championship season.

The Cherries have moved quickly in the transfer market this summer, having seemingly targeted the areas which were in need of strengthening, before pre-season preparations had even begun. It is a strategy which in the long-term could pay dividends, as all players on the boss’ shortlist were secured on deals, giving them plenty of time to settle into their new club. Of course the other benefit would be the additional period for new tactics to be implanted during training, in a bid to build on last season’s 10th place finish.

With Lewis Grabban set for an eventual move to Norwich for £3m, the club’s first summer signing was a foray into the market for Coventry City’s striker Callum Wilson. Andrew Surman’s loan deal then become permanent, soon followed by the free transfer additions of Dan Gosling and Junior Stanislas. A further statement of intent was made when Artur Boruc linked up with the club on loan from rivals Southampton, and more recently Luke Garbutt has arrived on a similar deal from Everton, while Yann Songo’o has also completed switch to Dean Court for a fee of £1.2m.

“We wanted to get our player recruitment work done early this season, and I think we have done an excellent job. The squad is in place at an early stage of pre-season and we can now turn all of our attention to planning for future games,” said Howe.

He continued by saying, “We have got exactly what we needed from the window, and exactly what we wanted. I have to admit, there’s a great group of players here, with plenty of talent, drive and desire. I think it would be very realistic if I was to say that we have enough ability and enough about ourselves to push strongly for promotion. I don’t want to put anybody under too much pressure, however, we all know it will take hard work and determination if we are to come close in achieving our aims.”

Bournemouth kick start the competitive campaign with a trip to The John Smith’s Stadium for a clash against Huddersfield, but first must get through a grueling pre-season and a schedule which includes fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Coventry City, Bristol City, Dorchester Town, Scunthorpe United and Boca Juniors.

As part of last season’s plans Real Madrid visited the South Coast for a friendly, and although the glamour of that game won’t be returning anytime soon, the manager believes that the warm-up matches will provide the perfect platform for players to work their way into the starting side;

“I think there’s a great chance for everyone in the friendly fixtures, and I really hope the players take this opportunity with two firm hands, and try to make as much of an impression as possible. Obviously the standout teams on the list are Tottenham and Boca Juniors, two very good sides, but we’re really hoping that we can be something of a challenge to them and prove ourselves against some top players.”

---

Last Update: Dynamic Defensive Pair Sign On
Next Update: Season One: Pre-Season

I predict a storming season from Bournemouth

You got some real good signings there man! Howe is gonna lead his men to the Premier League.

Justice: Well, you must be a wise man then...

Josh: That's the aim, and I can see no reason why we can't achieve the Premier League dream!

---

Bournemouth played six games as part of their pre-season programme, but it was at the training ground where most of the work was done. The players were pushed hard with a tough fitness regime, but all of them were as enthusiastic and energetic – anticipating the start of an exciting season for the club. Let’s see how things turned out.

Match Results

Bournemouth Goals: None
Spurs Goals: Paulinho (4), Emmanuel Adebayor (68)
Man of the Match: Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen, 9.0 Match Rating


Bournemouth Goals: Lee Burge O.G. (90+3)
Coventry Goals: John Fleck (36)
Man of the Match: Coventry’s John Fleck, 8.3 Match Rating


Bournemouth Goals: Yann Kermorgant (45, 74), Ryan Fraser (88)
Bristol City Goals: None
Man of the Match: Bournemouth’s Yann Kermorgant, 8.8 Match Rating


Bournemouth Goals: Callum Wilson (7), Tokelo Rantie (10), Yann Kermorgant (70, 90+1)
Dorchester Goals: Mitchell Catley (50 pen)
Man of the Match: Bournemouth’s Matt Ritchie, 9.0 Match Rating


Bournemouth Goals: Callum Wilson (58), Matt Ritchie (76)
Scunthorpe Goals: None
Man of the Match: Bournemouth’s Matt Ritchie, 8.5 Match Rating


Bournemouth Goals: None
Dorchester Goals: None
Man of the Match: Bournemouth’s Steve Cook, 8.4 Match Rating

Goal of Pre-Season

The opening goal in the 2-0 win against Scunthorpe United, scored by Callum Wilson, was the pick of the Bournemouth goals from pre-season. It wasn’t just about the cool, calm and collected finish either, both wingers playing their part in the goal. First, Marc Pugh darted past three defenders and picked out Matt Ritchie on the opposite flank, who delivered the perfect cross for the eventual goalscorer.

Player of Pre-Season

Matt Ritchie was in excellent form for Bournemouth during pre-season, picking up Man of the Match awards on two occasions, as well as helping himself to one goal and four assists. The English winger’s sumptuous ability on the ball combined with his hard working attitude make him a stand out player from The Cherries’ side and so will be a key part of any success this season.

Manager’s Thoughts

3 wins, two draws and one loss isn’t a bad record from our friendly matches, with the focus more on getting the players prepared and in tip top condition, for the competitive campaign. Obviously victories are important in boosting the morale of the squad, however we already have a confident group of lads, who are now more than ready to get on with what lies ahead and fulfil the targets set.

Elsewhere In England

What other big football news has been around these last few weeks, and maybe to some extent, has shocked the nation?

• Manchester United have significantly added to their squad with the captures of Jan Vertonghen, Mateo Musacchio and Wesley Sneijder.
• German midfielder and World Cup winner Sami Khedira rejected the opportunity to play in England with Arsenal in favour of a move to Paris Saint Germain.
• Former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic has returned to the Premier League with a switch to Liverpool.
• Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea team were humiliated and soundly beaten 4-0 by Watford, in pre-season.
• League Two side Northampton Town completed the most transfer business as 10 players joined the club in August, on top of the 12 players who arrived in July.

---

Last Update: Howe: Squad Is Strong Enough
Next Update: The Bournemouth Brand Of Football

Exceptional presentation Josh! Your pre-season was decent, but there is room for improvement! Matt Ritchie is going to be vital for your promotion hopes, that's for sure! Also United signing a centre back?! Who would have thought that would happen?