Football Season Guide

Bournemouth will be looking to prove that their excellent campaign last season was not a flash in the pan and establish themselves as a Premier League club with another positive start to a new season. Considered to be one of the weakest teams in the league and tipped for a straight drop to the Championship, Bournemouth confounded expectations in their debut season in the top flight and all but secured their survival from relegation a couple of months before the end of the campaign. Coach Eddie Howe saw his reputation soar following the campaign and was even considered for the vacant England manager spot, and his side won lot of plaudits for their willingness to stick with the passing game despite going through a couple of bumps over the season. Howe though has stayed on and will be looking to avoid the second season syndrome for promoted sides, especially after questions were asked about their Premier League suitability following a poor end to the season. Bournemouth ended the season with their worst run of form once their safety was relatively secure, managing just four points from their final eight games, and Howe will be keen to ensure that his side kick the season off with a desire to do better rather than be happy with avoiding a relegation battle. Howe has been busy during the summer transfer window and has made a couple of big moves with Bournemouth acquiring Jordon Ibe by paying their biggest transfer fee ever. Lewis Cook, Lys Mousset and Brad Smith have also arrived at the club and while the signings represent Bournemouth's willingness to sign highly rated youngsters, there are still question marks about whether they can produce the goods every week. Matt Ritchie has been the biggest departure this summer, with the winger dropping back to the Championship by moving to Newcastle United four years after signing on for Bournemouth when they were in League One. Bournemouth have also failed to improve at the back, something which was sorely needed after the club boasted of the second worst defensive record last season. With Tommy Elphick and Sylvain Distin both having left the club in the summer, Bournemouth are with just one recognized central defender in Steve Cook and reinforcements are needed before they can aim for something more than survival this season.