AFC BOURNEMOUTH

MANAGER: EDDIE HOWE

THE first thing you have to say when discussing Bournemouth is what a magnificent achievement it is for them to be looking at a fourth consecutive campaign in the top flight. When you look at the size of the Vitality Stadium, it really isn’t geared up for the Premier League. Eddie Howe has done a tremendous job and has enhanced his reputation. You have to admire the way they play football and, to give him full credit, he has remained loyal to his principles when the easiest thing would be to just try to get results. Each time they have looked in trouble, they have found a way to get out. But I have a feeling Bournemouth are going to find things difficult this season. There were a few bad teams in the Premier League last time and that helped them when they had a poor run. Will they get away with it this time? I’m not sure. It’s not like they haven’t spent money, either, and you would be looking for some of those who have arrived for decent fees to produce. It is going be a long season for them.

HOW WILL THEY FARE?

IT will be touch and go whether they can stay up.

MAJOR INS

David Brooks (Sheffield Utd, £12m) Diego Rico (Leganes, £10.7m, above)

MAJOR OUTS

Benik Afobe (Wolves, £10m) Lewis Grabban (Nottm Forest, £5m) Max Gradel (Toulouse, £1.8m) Adam Federici (Stoke, undisclosed)