Howe: We are where we are on merit

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes the Cherries will rise to the challenge of the Premier League.

After just two seasons in the second tier of English football following promotion from League One, the Cherries will start next seasons campaign in the Premier League.

The majority of the squad has risen through the Football League during the Cherries rise from the fourth tier of English football.

AFC Bournemouth former youth player Brett Pitman has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 14 times and has been involved in all three of the Cherries promotions over the past five years.

Whilst seven of the nine players who have played in over 40 Championship games this season were involved in the Cherries promotion from League One in 2013.

Howe told the Daily Echo…

‘…We have proved this season that we are a good team and deserve to be where we are on merit. We will challenge it like we did our rise from League One to the Championship.

“We always thought bringing in a footballing philosophy we felt would be transferable from the Championship to the Premier League would give us a greater chance.

“If you play one way to get out of the Championship and then have to rip it up and start again in the Premier League, I think you would struggle and it would be too difficult so that is why we implemented what we did. We believe it can work but, ultimately, it will be decided on the pitch…’

‘…It was interesting to see our development from League One to the Championship. It took us a bit of time to adjust but, when we did, we found our feet and the confidence grew. This is going to be a lot tougher, there is no doubt about that.”

AFCB Vital Travel Coaches

Once again AFCB Vital are sponsoring the Travel Coaches this season.

The sponsorship guarantees that a supporter coach will travel to every league and cup game this season. For prices, departure times and how to book – click here.