Strength in depth is the key for AFCB

I asked a few days ago whether it was important that AFCB make the Premiership in the next few years. For two men I think it is essential that they do. Staying in the Championship just might not be enough for Maxim Demin long term. He needs the Cherries to fight for promotion to the Premiership. It's not just Maxim that needs it either, so does Eddie Howe. A couple of years spent with no further promotions will not sit happily with him and his needs may well change if he cannot succeed in getting the Cherries to the top tier. 

One of the tools needed to help both men reach their goals is a squad that has strength in depth. At the moment it looks like AFCB are starting to get there but there are not quite enough players that are pushing the first 11 regularly enough to spur performances on to the league positions that are ultimately desired.

More additions with plenty of experience like Smith are required.

The club certainly has some star performers now and yet it has been difficult to bring in players with further quality at prices that the club can afford. It was only last January that Adam Smith was signed to give some support in particular to Simon Francis. At times last season the three centre backs were just about able to cover each other when one got injured, but another player in place of Miles Addison is still required.

Finding another Eunan O'Kane and Harry Arter has also not yet been mastered, but Dan Gosling is arguably an excellent addition with Andrew Surman now back at Norwich City. On the wings Eddie Howe has a good crop of players and I see no need to bring in further additions there, although there are plenty of rumours about possible new recruits to fill those positions. Eddie's biggest dilemma is whether his strike force is strong enough to hold its own in the Championship. The team needs speed, power, strength and accuracy up front and with Kermorgant to build around the likelihood is that Eddie will make the right choice as he finds out more about what Yann needs in a strike partner.

The strength in depth requires funds though and if there might be a sticking point it is those financial fair play rules sitting uneasily in the background. They are unwelcome for a team that is looking to build like the Cherries, but the rules are the rules. However,  the sale of one or two more players following Grabban's exit still seems likely if new recruits are desired. UTCIAD!

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Today's World Cup Chimes previews Ghana v Portugal in Brasilia today.