HOWE SAD FRASER’S TIME ENDS IN ANGER
Vitality Stadium: Kick-off 7.45pm
EDDIE HOWE is saddened Ryan Fraser’s legacy at Bournemouth will now be tarnished by the way he is leaving.
Scotland winger Fraser (below), whose contract runs out on June 30, this week snubbed the offer of an extension to his deal that would have taken him to the end of the prolonged campaign, as the club battle to avoid relegation.
He is being chased by Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham, among other Premier League sides.
Fraser, 26, faced a fierce backlash from fans over his decision and as Howe announced he was axing the winger from his squad, he said: “I was not particularly surprised by his decision. It has been clear for us for some time he was not going to sign.
“It is sad that it has ended like this. I have enjoyed working with Ryan. He did not deserve this.
“The way it has ended is uncomfortable for me. There are lots of sad emotions. No one knows what Ryan is thinking apart from himself.
“We have tried to help him achieve
ROY HODGSON is braced for another summer of interest in Wilfried Zaha.
Transfer budgets are expected to tumble in the next window as clubs struggle with lost revenue.
But the Crystal Palace boss said: “We’d be very foolish to relax and think there will be no bids for Wilf Zaha, no big-money interest in him, because he’s such a good player. He has the everything he wants to. I need to focus on the players here.
“I understand everyone’s feelings and frustrations.
“Ryan has put himself in this position. He’s felt this is the only conclusion he can make. That’s his right to make that call.
“But I’m disappointed for him his legacy will be around his departure rather than the good things he did. That’s sad for me because he’s been a key player.”
Last season Fraser scored eight goals and provided 15 assists but this season he has netted just once with four assists. The former Aberdeen forward, who joined the Cherries in 2013, has scored 24 goals in 208 games.
Howe insisted: “I don’t think it’s about money with Ryan. It’s about the opportunity to further his career and play for the highest team possible.
“An injury would potentially scupper that move.”
Howe believes this ninegame spell, starting against Crystal Palace tonight at the Vitality Stadium, is probably the most important in his time in charge of the club. He said: “This is a massive nine games for us.” ability to play at any level, anywhere in the world, so who knows? If we find it easy to keep him because there aren’t big bids coming in, that would be fine.”
Zaha (left) had major interest from Arsenal and Everton last summer, and put in a transfer request to try to force through a move.
But both clubs baulked at Palace’s £80million asking price and the Ivory Coast winger stayed put.