Guardian writers’ predicted position: 12th (NB: this is not necessarily John Brewin’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 12th
Prospects
Perhaps being a coastal outpost has previously shrouded the high ambition of Bournemouth’s American owners but the clues were there in the defenestration of Scott Parker and then Gary O’Neil. Both could argue they had achieved objectives in promotion and survival respectively, but the appointment of Andoni Iraola signalled loftier goals. Last season brought success and progress after a slow start had many crowing that O’Neil should have been retained. Once Iraola’s Marcelo Bielsa-inspired pressing game took hold, it was time for the hipsters – and doubters – to sit up and take notice.
O’Neil’s Wolves finished two points and two places behind Bournemouth but if the curve was upwards for Iraola, it was still an inconsistent season. An unbeaten run from November ended on New Year’s Eve and the next league win did not arrive until March, with the ensuing run securing a mid-table finish only for another slump to follow. For all the acclaim that rightfully came Iraola’s way – 48 points from 38 games exceeded Eddie Howe’s Premier League best – such extended blips must be eradicated.
Summer transfer business has involved the striker Daniel Jebbison signing as a talented development project, but more will be immediately expected from Luis Sinisterra as last season’s loan from Leeds is converted into a permanent move. The same goes for Enes Unal, the Turkey striker who was not exactly prolific last season while on loan from Getafe. He then missed the Euros through injury.
A lack of fresh faces may concern fans despite Premier League business being slow across the board but Iraola, whose complicated doctrine takes time to set in, may argue there is more to come from the current squad. At the same time, Bournemouth’s peers have had time to work out his tactics, and if the ambition is European football, the Conference League, say, then further recruitment seems required.
The manager
Are Bournemouth merely a stepping stone for Iraola? The owners depicted his arrival as a coup, and other clubs had sought his signature after he established Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. An eventual return to Spain cannot be ruled out, particularly if Athletic come calling, but the Premier League is the ideal place for coaches to show off their repertoire. It took time for an English audience to learn about him but he became a byword for a counter-pressing game heavily in vogue. Last season was not without setbacks, not least the loss of his loyal assistant, Iñigo Pérez, who went back to Rayo after a work permit refusal. But the improvement of players such as Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook showed off significant coaching chops.
Off-field picture
Bill Foley, the owner, put substance behind a long-mooted new stadium with the announcement of an 18,500-seat venue in the ample space adjacent to the 12,000-capacity Vitality. That Foley mentioned a significant uplift in the percentage of hospitality – 6% to 17% – reflected the transformation he is helming. A community, provincial club wishes to take advantage of the considerable wealth in the region – Sandbanks et al – even if Foley said in January that “we’ve tried to really maintain what Bournemouth always was”. What that means for fans in practice is a rise in ticket prices.
Breakout star
Antoine Semenyo’s talents were apparent at Bristol City but last season brought his arrival as a Premier League player. Iraola’s appointment coincided with the Ghana international establishing himself as a right-winger; he played in their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign as a centre-forward. The Londoner – tall, rangy, eating up distance at high speed – has an eye for the spectacular, and was the inspiration for Bournemouth’s 4-3 comeback win over Luton in March, running the length of the field to score the winner. Two goals there helped him to eight last season – all in the league – in 36 matches, having been a bit-part player after signing in January 2023. Bournemouth have tied down one of their top talents to a new contract until 2029.
The A-lister
In Solanke’s teenage years, it was expected that he would be part of England’s attack at a major tournament. After last season, it would not have been outlandish to see the 26-year-old performing a similar pinch-hitter role to Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins in supporting Harry Kane at Euro 2024. England’s leading star in winning the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 turned out to be a late developer. One of few players remaining from the Howe era, he got 19 league goals last season, and a particularly hot run as the Iraola plan began to take off in November and December had him linked with meeting Arsenal’s need for a centre-forward. The slow-burning long-term £19m investment is now valued at about £65m.
What they did this summer
Tyler Adams has rarely been spotted in a Bournemouth shirt, making one start last season after recurring hamstring problems. Hopes were raised when he started all three USMNT matches as they hosted the Copa América – and flopped. Instead a back operation carried out in California before his club-mates played a friendly against Arsenal meant he did not get to wear the special-edition kit designed by the actor and minority owner of Bournemouth Michael B Jordan – star of Creed and Black Panther and Wallace from The Wire. Where’s Tyler? Adams was supposed to be the flagship American for the owners to promote the club Stateside. Foley has put his trust in “one of the best back surgeons in America” to cure him.
Source: theguardian.com
