AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes the core of his squad want to build ‘a legacy that stands the test of time’.
The Cherries are currently enjoying their third season in the top flight of English football.
Along with playing in the top division for the first time in AFC Bournemouth’s history, the club is also benefiting from playing in the richest league in the world.
Due to this, AFC Bournemouth have in recent seasons spent big money on new additions.
This summer alone a new transfer record was set when Nathan Ake returned to the south coast on a permanent basis when he joined from Chelsea for around £20million.
Asmir Begovic also made the same move for a fee in the region of £10million.
Both played in the victory over Newcastle United, but alongside them the core of the squad saw long term members of the side feature.
Simon Francis, Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels, Harry Arter and Marc Pugh were all playing for AFC Bournemouth in the third tier of English football as recently as 2013.
Whilst Andrew Surman and Callum Wilson played a key role in the Cherries promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
Howe told the Daily Echo…
‘…It is about proving how good you are every week. Week by week, the slate is clean as far as I am concerned and players have to earn their places.
“The players who came in against Newcastle performed very well and if we can get everyone at their best level, I think we have a great squad.
“These players have played a huge role in getting the club to its very highest level.
“They have developed a real attachment to the club and I am sure will want to leave a legacy that stands the test of time.”
Your Say…
Neil Dawson wrote…
Lots of theories on why Arter played (against Newcastle) but the reality in my opinion is staring us in the face if you look at our history.
Whenever we have poor form and a crucial run of ‘winnable` games the same thing always happens, Eddie reverts to 442 and puts as many fit players from the old guard in as possible. It often sees the return of Pugh for example. Better players than Lewis Cook have suffered from this policy as Jack Wilshere will testify. Personally he should always start for me but it didn`t surprise me that he didn`t, we called the side on the way up.
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