Arguably the signing of Lewis Cook is the most important of the summer for AFCB. Eddie Howe has been chasing him for sure, since last November, and perhaps even earlier but Leeds were keen to hold on to their strong midfielder for as long as possible. In the end, the Premier League beckoned for such talent, and it is quite a privilege that Cook decided that AFCB is the team he wanted to play for as there would have been plenty of other offers on the table. AFCB now have him on a four-year contract and his fee is reported to be £6-7m, rising to £10m with add-ons. What I find pleasing is that some English players are getting a chance to play in the Premier League and some of them are at AFCB.
The Daily Telegraph was first in saying that negotiations have been held this week about the Leeds midfielder and that his medical would take place on Friday, and it was a long wait to see him finally sign. While AFCB have been stocking up with wingers and strikers it is in defence and central midfield where the team really needs a fresh injection of talent and I am delighted that AFCB are now addressing this with the signings of Hyndman, Aké and now Lewis Cook. While it may be less pressurised for Lewis to join a club like AFCB rather than a top 10 side, it is hoped that Lewis can help the Cherries make that leap themselves.
There are now a lot of new players coming through the doors at Dean Court and it will be important to get them all quickly understanding what is required of them. There has not been such a turnover of players since the 2012/13 season if you consider that the Cherries also signed Grabban and Afobe in January this year. While Juan Iturbe has returned to Roma, there is a real sense of a young and hungry squad forming at AFCB.
Last season was difficult, but this next season is make or break for the Cherries. Money had to be spent to give the team the best chance of keeping its Premier League status and this season it has the advantage over the teams that came up in its buying power, but it is right that some players have been sold to recoup some funds and with Lewis Cook about to join there is probably an exit door opening up for one more AFCB players this summer.
Has the money been spent in the right areas though? A central defender or two wouldn't go a miss.
England job Eddie Howe still among favourites for vacant England manager's job with Harry Rednapp, but bookies have more than a few in front of him - Klinsmann more likely according to the Guardian.
AFCB U21 fixtures announced. Former Cherry Mark Molesley also joins the coaching staff of the U21s.
Opening Man Utd game moved for Sky TV to Sunday 14 August 1:30 pm
and West Ham Away is move to Sunday 21 August 16:00pm kick off.
Transfer watch
Marseilles winger Georges-Kévin N'Koudou winger is said to be the subject of a EUR13m bid from AFCB
Jordan Ibe is considering his options after AFCB's £13m bid for the Liverpool winger was accepted by Liverpool FC
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There are now a lot of new players coming through the doors at Dean Court and it will be important to get them all quickly understanding what is required of them. There has not been such a turnover of players since the 2012/13 season if you consider that the Cherries also signed Grabban and Afobe in January this year. While Juan Iturbe has returned to Roma, there is a real sense of a young and hungry squad forming at AFCB.
Last season was difficult, but this next season is make or break for the Cherries. Money had to be spent to give the team the best chance of keeping its Premier League status and this season it has the advantage over the teams that came up in its buying power, but it is right that some players have been sold to recoup some funds and with Lewis Cook about to join there is probably an exit door opening up for one more AFCB players this summer.
Has the money been spent in the right areas though? A central defender or two wouldn't go a miss.
England job Eddie Howe still among favourites for vacant England manager's job with Harry Rednapp, but bookies have more than a few in front of him - Klinsmann more likely according to the Guardian.
AFCB U21 fixtures announced. Former Cherry Mark Molesley also joins the coaching staff of the U21s.
Opening Man Utd game moved for Sky TV to Sunday 14 August 1:30 pm
and West Ham Away is move to Sunday 21 August 16:00pm kick off.
Transfer watch
Marseilles winger Georges-Kévin N'Koudou winger is said to be the subject of a EUR13m bid from AFCB
Jordan Ibe is considering his options after AFCB's £13m bid for the Liverpool winger was accepted by Liverpool FC
If Eddie becomes England manager who would succeed him....assuming Harry Redknapp goes with Howe...lets see who would be available....in what would be a very difficult job to fill....what about Roy Hodgson..a safe pair of hands....Michael O Neill..the irish manager...
ReplyDeleteTurning to playing staff..I think Mac donald and O'Kane have to go..so that these new arrivals have a chance....I think an experienced centre half should do it....please no more wingers..if Ibe is thinking about it he is not committed to the cause and we should look for someone else....15m seems an awful lot of money....why not make a bid for Januzai excuse spelling from Man Utd
..they have a few young defenders who are going to struggle for first team football...Blackett...
Exciting times