Football Season Review

Bournemouth failed to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after they were beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Brentford. Their season started with a new manager after long serving boss and club legend Eddie Howe departed in the summer. Howe’s long-time assistant Jason Tindall was appointed but he was sacked in February after a run of one win in eight league games which had seen the club fall to sixth in the table. Jonathan Woodgate took over. Initially results were mixed and a play-off place was in jeopardy but a run of seven straight wins made sure they finished in the top six. The acquisition of Cameron Carter-Vickers on loan from Tottenham in the summer proved important. Initial doubts were raised as he did not feature until January due to injury and fitness problems but he went on to form an excellent centre-back partnership with captain Steve Cook. Arnaut Danjuma has been the standout attacking player. The pacey Dutch winger hit top form at just the right time and went on a scoring run of nine goals in 12 games. Bournemouth’s prospects next season will depend on what happens during the summer. Manager Woodgate’s contract is due to expire this summer. There could be a large turnover of players and some high earners are likely to leave.

Player of the Season: Arnaut Danjuma