Is there a ceiling for AFC Bournemouth?

The amount of speculation as to what this Bournemouth side could do in the Premier League is likely to build as we get closer to the start of next season. While the number of signings may not be over yet, the players that got AFCB promoted are the ones that will be most in need of improving their form yet again to compete with the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool etc.

To get to the level of the top six though has not proved easy for teams that have been in the Premier League for many years. Southampton did tremendously well last time out to finish seventh and you wonder whether that is the best that any team can do that is not spending in the region of at least £40 million plus a season for new players. The Saints' themselves had to splash the cash last season just to replace the likes of Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.

 AFCB will try and kick even higher when the take on the Premier League.

But is there a ceiling for a club like AFCB? Just to reach the Premier League was a dream, but now that the club is there can it really knock the doubters again and seek to finish well above the relegation places? That will be the challenge facing Eddie Howe and I don't think he'll want to be a team merely looking to avoid the drop. If Howe wants to be pushing for a position of 12 or above though are extra funds required? I can't see why AFCB can't be aiming at a position of around 12-15th in their debut Premier League season. While the top clubs will have individuals who can win a game in an instance, AFCB do have a brilliant team outlook and that is what will have to carry them through.

Where there is no limit is the potential for what Eddie Howe might achieve. If he can get this Bournemouth side into mid-table next season the major clubs will be lining up for him. It will be a sad day when he leaves the club again, but I hope he chooses well when that day comes. Before then I will just hope that the sky is the limit for this AFCB side under Howe.


Player transfer gossip
The latest player to be linked with AFCB is Stephen Caulker, 23, QPR's central defender who has been added to Eddie Howe's list of targets, according to the Daily Mirror. AFCB are said to have missed out on Charlton teenager Joe Gomez who is likely to sign for Liverpool, claims TalkSport.