Striker hunt for AFCB - a priority?

With rumours about Callum Wilson and Josh King potentially leaving the club for the likes of Spurs and PSG respectively, it currently rests on Dominic Solanke and Sam Surridge to form a partnership and get some goals if Bournemouth's main strike pairing do leave.

Have we seen Callum Wilson and Josh King in an AFCB shirt for the last time?

Bournemouth have not been linked with many strikers. The news that Aston Villa were interested in Callum Wilson did mention a possible swap with Scott Hogan. I am not sure if the Cherries have a big potential list of strikers, but I would hope that they do have some on a list that they are looking to go after. My worry is that they will leave it late in the day to try and bring in signings and by that time AFCB's squad could have been reduced by three or four more players.

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While we haven't seen much of the Sam Surridge/Dominic Solanke potential strike force, I think it could work reasonably well in the Championship. We know that Sam can score goals at the level and the probability of Solanke being the senior partner in the partnership might just give him the focus and drive he needs to continue his recent good form.

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Ideally, AFCB will need four or five strikers in the Championship with the amount of games they'll have. They picked a real class act with Yan Kermorgant last time they were there and that kind of powerful striker would be a good addition. Bournemouth may have to be a bit more adaptive to seeing some more headed goals than we have been used to in the Premier League, and I think the squad could do with a few more robust players anyway.

Hopefully, Surridge and Solanke get a chance to show their abilities but the search for one or to more strikers surely has to be a priority for Tindall.

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Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Was Tindall the best choice for the Bournemouth job?

In other news, for Cherry Mark Molseley becomes the manager of Southend Utd

Leeds lose their star man - Lewis Cook signs for AFCB

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.

Official AFCB welcome Tweet image. 

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.

Lewis Cook stats 2015/16
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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