Around the grounds:Bournemouth

AROUND THE GROUNDS= Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s pre-season was a bit of a disaster over all. I understand the need to support all the local non league clubs in the region and that really they are only training matches, but to be charged £10 to get into watch Havant & Waterlooville only for one of their former pro’s to race in and injure your captain (micro fracture to the tibia) you soon can go off the pre-season campaign altogether!

The Cherries have so far brought in 4 new players over the summer, after releasing 3 and selling 3 since this time last season.

The main area’s that have been strengthened are in midfield and up front with manager Sean O’Driscoll looking for more pace in the side. Khalil from Cardiff, Hollands from Chelsea and Platt from Liverpool all look great signings. None of them are the finished article but that is what the Cherries are famous for, developing new talent and playing exciting football.

We are also rumoured to be bringing in a couple of new players this week on loan. Leon Best from Southampton played a handful of games in the Championship last season, while Lionel Ainsworth is an England Under 19’s International who could be joining on loan from Derby County.

On paper this side is better than the one that we had in the second half of last season. Although some fans’ are predicting an exciting season with the Cherries pushing for promotion, I’m a little bit more reserved. With every season for the Cherries, the main aim of the season is to survive on the pitch and more importantly off it. Having said that it does look like with a bit of luck with injuries and players gelling this side could be very good to watch in what is always an unpredictable league.