HOWE: NO NEED TO SPLASH THE CASH

EDDIE HOWE reckons British is best after defending Bournemouth’s lack of January spending.

Howe came under fire from TV pundit Paul Merson for failing to make a single signing in the transfer window.

The Cherries chief (above), whose side host Stoke today, named NINE British players in his line-up for the incredible 3-0 win over champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Howe said: “Every situation is different and, from our perspective, there was not an appetite from the club to spend too much money in the window.

“We were looking at the market to see what was and wasn’t possible. You always have to have an open mind, but prices and fees are so expensive.

“If the money is not there, you cannot take a risk. The level of money we would need to improve the squad would be substantial.

“To find better players than we have would be big money and that was not there in this window.

“We believe we have a unique way of working.

“We have got a young group and those players will only get better. It’s a great opportunity for them to do that and showcase themselves against the best players in the world.

“Our infrastructure is different to everybody else’s, because we are still new to the Premier League, so we don’t have the resources other clubs have.

“We need to play to our strengths and knowledge of the local market and the lower leagues is really important.”

And Howe has told his men there can be no complacency after Wednesday night’s famous victory over the Blues at the Vitality today.

“We are in good form and confidence has returned to the team,” he added. “When you beat teams near the top of the table, like Arsenal and Chelsea, it only enhances how good we can be.

“You don’t want to come across as not savouring the performance at Chelsea but, very quickly, we have to put ourselves in the now.

“My job is to take their focus back on to the present and Stoke , because we can’t live in that moment forever.”