AFC Bournemouth
The Odds – (Via-William Hill)
League Winners: 16/1
Promotion: 7/1
Relegation: 14/1
The Background
Last season was Bournemouth’s second time in the second tier in their history and they gave a brilliant play-off push. Many critics wrote off the newly promoted side, however Eddie Howe’s men put in countless excellent performances which saw them achieve a strong 10th place finish whilst almost making a late push for the play-offs. In the end, the Cherries were six points adrift of the play-offs however they gave a good account of themselves and impressed many Championship and general football fans alike. An FA Cup tie against Liverpool as well as Lewis Grabban chipping in with 22 goals for the club lead to many smiling Cherries faces.
The Transfers
Lewis Grabban has left for Norwich which was a massive blow to the Bournemouth fans, however the money that they have recieved will surely be reinvested appropriately. Despite the fact that Grabban smashed in 22 goals for Bournemouth, with the funds made available to them the blow has been softened. Aside from that Stanislas and Gosling both join from Burnley and Newcastle. Stanislas’ exciting runs down the wing and his pace makes him an exciting talent to watch and Gosling’s creativity and maturity in the midfield will both be welcomed additions to Bournemouth. Keeper Shwan Jalal has left for Bury and Striker Matt Tubbs leaves to Wimbledon on loan.
The Star man
Matt Ritchie is a young, ambitious talent and his ability shone through last year. After a couple of years with Swindon Town, he left to join the Cherries where he scored 12 goals in 47 games. Not only does the winger have an eye for goal but his ability to create a spark of brilliance from nothing is what makes him such a pivotal player in the side. For a young player at 24, his calmness on the ball reassures fans that he is a top class winger with the potential to do anything on his day.
The Gaffer
A fans’ favourite, he is known as Eddie Howedini by the Bournemouth faithful and, looking at his record, it’s not hard to see why. Survival, promotion, exodus, return, promotion and stability. All in the space of just 6 years, although this undersells the man who could be mistaken for someone much older than 36. A relatively calm and astute figure on the sidelines, Howe is meticulous and thorough in all he does, whilst retaining a shrewd if not tactile relationship with the press. The Premier League dawns for the local legend. The only question is can he trump his work so far and take little old Bournemouth into the Premier League or will he depart BH7 to fulfil his swift rise up the management pyramid? 
The Fan – Mark Jackson
Thoughts on last season?
The Player Interview
Name: Tommy Elphick
Age: 26
Position: Defender
1. Thoughts on last season?
TE: “The aim was to stay in the league and we quickly put any fears of relegation to bed pretty early, we did have an indifferent start but when we found our feet we proved that we were more than capable of being a force in the division.”
2.What are you Personal hopes for this season?
TE: ” My personal hopes are to build on last season and to try and help my team to as many points as possible this season.”
3. Where do you think you will finish in the league this season?
TE: “We finished really strong at the end of last season and narrowly missed out on the play offs, we’ve given ourselves a great platform to build upon. Hopefully we can surpass last seasons finish and with a bit of luck be in the top 6.”
The Verdict? 13th.
