Football Season Guide

Following a slow start to the 2023/24 campaign under new coach Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth bounced back, winning a remarkable 45 points from 26 games between 28 October and 28 April - the fifth-most in the division in that time. Bournemouth played some hard-tackling, fast-transition football that led to some spectacular performances. They finished 12th after picking up a club-record 48 Premier League points. Bournemouth have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer window, with defender Lloyd Kelly being the only first-choice player to depart the team. Kelly has been replaced by prodigious centre-back Dean Huijsen, who joined from Juventus. After impressing with his coaching abilities in his first ever Premier League campaign, Bournemouth fans can be confident that Iraola-ball could flourish in his second term at the club. Yet, Dominic Solanke's departure is a blow for the team, who will seek a replacement before the end of the transfer window. Solanke was the only Bournemouth player to feature in all 38 league games, in which he netted 19 goals - more than twice as many as any teammate. Without them, Bournemouth would have finished 17th in the table - only six points clear of relegation. Meanwhile, the main weakness Iraola will have to deal with is Bournemouth’s defensive frailties. Only four teams conceded more goals than the Cherries in 2023/24 and his side needs to improve at the back in order to better last season’s position.