The Cherries - Taking over Eddie Howe's legacy - A Bournemouth story

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BOURNEMOUTH: A SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES
So as you all know, I've been complaining about my saves lately and I'm really sorry for changing so much. There always seems to be a problem with them! Anyway, Schalke is the next casualty as the team was too good and wouldn't stop winning. In case you're interested, the team won the Bundesliga by 27 points and the Champions League. Ismaila Sarr also won the Ballon D'or which was actually the first time in any save let alone first season my player has achieved that. Without further ado, I hope to start this story hoping for some longevity and finally put an end to all of the stopping and starting. Again, I've probably really annoyed everyone with my changing so constantly, but it would be great if you could comment feedback, potential signings on this story thanks.

THE CLUB
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This club has the smallest ground in the Premier League and one of the smallest in the top few divisions. An expansion has been often talked about at Bournemouth, I wonder if in game something will happen. The club has also had a fantastic journey from all the way at the bottom of the Football League. There was a possibility of them no longer existing at one point until Eddie Howe came along. The young manager saved them and then did the unthinkable; in just a few more seasons he'd brought Bournemouth to the Premier League. A number of the players key to the journey are still with the team, although I will sadly look to sell them on.

HONOURS
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I listed a few achievements earlier, but in terms of trophies the team doesn't have a great amount. Certainly nothing during their time in the EPL but the Championship is their greatest achievement. Of course, only recently did they first venture into the Premier League and they haven't been relegated since. The club has made some great signings over the past few years as well, such as Nathan Ake, Jefferson Lerma and David Brooks.

MY AIMS
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I plan to carry Bournemouth forward long term. First, I'll get rid of the deadwood, which should give me a decent budget. Then it's all about finding the right players who will have a number of years to serve for the team. For first team spots, a LB, CM and GK is what I want. Unfortunately Surman, Daniels and Begovic and not players who I really want to use. First season should be top half, then European Qualification and maybe then finishing in the top 4. From then on, who knows?

 

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SEASON PREPARATIONS BEGIN WITH MASSIVE WINDOW
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3 days prior to the Premier League begins and Bournemouth have made massive moves to bolster their squad. They surprisingly didn't break their transfer record as they spent just shy of 100m worth of players. To begin with, the side had a budget of 55m, but with sales of players and some smart future clauses, the side has vastly improved, despite a media prediction of 12th.
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The names listed in red are the deals which Ferri has made in his short time as boss. While Lato was the most expensive, there are several really solid signings and additions to the team. Manu Trigueros is a solid midfielder with vast experience despite being only 26, while there was a lot of youth coming into the squad - and old guard going out. Daniels was replaced with Lato, Gosling with Trigueros and Begovic with Andre Onana.
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It's notable that Bournemouth's pre season was also scintillating. While the opposition wasn't amazing and they still dropped points, they only conceded one goal across all of the fixtures and they looked super compact as a unit and a team. The player of pre-season was new signing Antonio Lato, who shone at LB and has worked his way into the Starting XI at Bournemouth already.
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Ferri favours a Gegenpress tactic which he used during his time at Germany - which did very well. However it's not as easy in England, as a high press is a big risk against the rapid attacks of squads here, whereas Germany is likely more technical. It is also notable that new signing Karim Rekik picked up a 2-3 week injury a day within arriving, returned a day before the season started, before picking up another 2-3 week injury!

 

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HOW WILL BOURNEMOUTH FARE? - THE PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS OFF
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Jefferson Lerma, shown above, is said to have a key part in Ferri's plans.

The team kicked off its Premier League campaign against Brighton, Watford and Burnley. Ferri has the squad sorted and it will be interesting to see if Bournemouth can maintain a solid defence - something which wasn't amazing under Howe's reign. Ferri earlier said that he's unsure of what to make of his bench so far, stating that he is unsure whether Dennis Man, Josh King or Emerson Hyndman should occupy the final bench position. At the moment, it's Hyndman, as the squad doesn't have great depth in midfield.

"Obviously they're all great players and talents. Yes I know Josh has been in the team for a long time, I'm aware people will think that as a contentious decision. It's early days, though. No one is for sure in or out yet and no one can be discounted or secure. It'll be a few matches before that decision is made. I plan to give everyone a chance at the beginning - I hope the squad understands that."

QUALITY CHERRIES EASE PAST BRIGHTON
- Ryan Fraser dominates match
- Ferri off to perfect start as boss
- Hughton furious after watching his team fall apart
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Bournemouth and Cristian Ferri got off to the dream start by thumping Brighton 3-0. Again, despite more shots from Brighton, the defence prevented any major chances. Ryan Fraser was the main man as The Cherries showed there class and Ferri was delighted. It has to be said that Brighton's Bernardo had a shocker of a performance for Brighton and they also weren't helped by Shane Duffy's own goal. Loanee Zinchenko had the desired impact on debut by adding the icing on the cake for the team.
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MORE ATTACKING BOURNEMOUTH BUT TO NO AVAIL AS THEY LABOUR TO DRAW
- Wilson nabs first goal but misses huge late chance
- Watford mirror Bournemouth performance vs Brighton
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Watford played just like Bournemouth did against Brighton as they kept out major chances until the very end to result in a 1-1 draw. While Callum Wilson got Bournemouth's equaliser just before the hour mark in front of an expectant crowd, but it was his 91st minute miss which cost Bournemouth what could've been a deserved win. Both Javi Gracia and Cristian Ferri were upset with there sides but Ferri had more to say as he felt his side should've run out winners.

BOURNEMOUTH LATE SHOW TOO MUCH FOR BURNLEY
- David Brooks shines for the team
- Super subs combine for opener
- Wilson finishing only concern
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Bournemouth made the scoreline look slightly more comfortable then what it was. They did deserve to win, but after Callum Wilson missed yet another 1-on-1 chance and it looked like it could be a 0-0. It took a double substitution of Cristian Pavon and Josh King to combine and give ths side the lead. David Brooks scored his opening goal for the team and won the MOTM award as the side got another solid win.
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SUMMARY
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A very solid start to the Premier League season and the defence looks very good. Karim Rekik returns ahead of the next month as the side face Chelsea, who just won 8-2 against Newcastle.
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LEAGUE TABLE
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It's looking pretty good for the Cherries in terms of the League Table, sitting nicely in the top area of the table.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH - RYAN FRASER

 

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Very sorry guys but after this we beat Man Utd and then went on an 11 match winless run which resulted in me being sacked. I guess I'll have to change stories again! I was enjoying this though, apologies but I guess my tactics don't work in the Premier League. The only times I've been sacked, it's been in England both times.

 

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Can someone let me know how to make a poll please? I can see the section for it but can't find out how to add options. Thank you.