Football Season Guide

Bournemouth earned automatic promotion to the Premier League as runners-up to champions Fulham after finishing a comfortable six points ahead of third-placed Huddersfield Town, mainly thanks to a 15-game unbeaten run in the first stretch of the campaign. So far, Bournemouth’s only summer signings have been former West Ham right-back Ryan Fredericks and Blackburn midfielder Joe Rothwell. Meanwhile, experienced players Robbie Brady and Gary Cahill have departed the club, but it is doubtful whether they are Premier League material anyway. Coach Scott Parker has expressed his desire to further strengthen the squad this summer. Having secured as many as 20 clean sheets last season and having conceded the fewest goals in the Championship, Parker has put together a solid side which plays with a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Defensive stability was their main virtue last season and this is exactly what could potentially help the newly-promoted side secure safety. Bournemouth are a solid side but it is doubtful whether they possess a squad which can compete in the Premier League. Striker Dominic Solanke may have top-flight experience, but they don’t have many players who know how to deal with having to face some of the finest teams worldwide.