During AFC Bournemouth’s final couple of seasons in the top flight of English football, the Cherries had begun a clear ambition to build a new young squad, full of potential and hopefully quality.
This philosophy works two-fold because those players are more likely to have a re-sale value above their purchase price and in theory will be young and hungry to impress, leading the club to success, if time allows and a period of transition doesn’t cost the club too dearly in terms of performance.
The flip side of that comes with the departure of some favourites coming towards the end of their careers, many who have been the backbone of the clubs rise through the leagues, some from the third tier of English football through to the Premier League.
Since relegation from the Premier League, the turnover of these experienced players has been high, Artur Boruc, Andrew Surman, Simon Francis, Charlie Daniels, Harry Arter and Callum Wilson, all members of the Championship-winning title side of 2015 have all left. On top of those departures has been Jordon Ibe, Ryan Fraser, Aaron Ramsdale and Nathan Ake all leaving the south coast.
In recent weeks two more departures have been all but confirmed, this time products of the youth team academy, but arguably not quite up to the standard of a Championship promotion push with Jack Simpson and Nnamdi Ofoborh set to join Rangers.
The next player to be moved on was Dan Gosling. The 30-year-old joined AFC Bournemouth on a free transfer from Newcastle United in 2014. He has made 192 appearances in all competitions scoring 22 goals. His desire was never in question, if you were picking a team purely based on effort and heart, Gosling would often be the first name on the team sheet.
🍒 #AFCB Dan Gosling never shirked an interview, called spades as spades, and could never be accused of giving less than 100%. Funny guy too, popular around the club, and has many of the characteristics needed for a battle. A couple of others need to “be like Dan” now. #wfc
— Kris Temple (@kristemple) January 31, 2021
Unfortunately with only 6 months remaining on his contract and with an almost bloated array of midfield options at AFC Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall’s disposal, Gosling’s first-team opportunities have been limited thus far this season, making just 7 Championship starts (plus 8 substitute appearances) from a possible 26 games.
He joined Championship promotion hopefuls, Watford, on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
We are pleased to confirm the signing of midfielder Dan Gosling on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
✍️ @_AFEX
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 31, 2021
AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told afcb.co.uk…
“Dan has been an outstanding servant to the club over the past six-and-a-half years, He played an important role in helping this club reach the Premier League and then establishing us there for five seasons, scoring some crucial goals along the way.
“Dan is a model professional; someone his team-mates admire and younger players look up to.
“We can no longer guarantee him the regular game time he wants at this stage of his career, and he leaves AFC Bournemouth with everyone’s thanks and best wishes for the next step.”
Your say…
northstandmark wrote…
I would be sorry to see Gosling go.
I would be even more sorry to see Gosling go to Watford!
Can understand he’s not top of the pecking order here with 2 midfielders recruited and perhaps the club needs to keep the wages under control.
Wish him all the best for his remaining career. Just hope the move to Watford doesn’t come back to bite us. – Join the conversation, click here.
