Season Review: Howe's stock diminishes in satisfactory year for Bournemouth

It wasn't long ago that Eddie Howe was being linked with Everton and tipped as England's next manager. Everything has gone quiet on that front this season. 

On the face of it, Bournemouth finished the campaign 11 points clear of the bottom three, securing their status in the Premier League for the fourth season in succession. It's an impressive achievement when you consider the financial resources available at Dean Court compared to their Premier League rivals, but Bournemouth fans can be forgiven for feeling slightly disappointed.

This time last season Bournemouth celebrated an incredible ninth place finish, but there has been a slight regression this time around. Howe’s side simply haven’t managed to kick on this season, despite investing heavily into Nathan Ake, Asmir Begovic and Jermain Defoe last summer.

Perhaps the reason behind the optimism for Bournemouth this season was down to Joshua King’s freak form at the end of the 2016/17 campaign that helped propel the Cherries to a top-half finish.

Howe is meticulous with his approach and will no doubt spend the next few weeks forensically analysing what went right and wrong for his team this season.

SUCCESS – LEWIS COOK

After joining from Leeds in 2016, Lewis Cook has been made to wait patiently for his chance at Bournemouth, but has grasped it with both hands this season.

The 21-year-old has even ousted fan favourite Harry Arter from the team this season to such a degree that the Ireland international will likely leave this summer.

Cook has reportedly even caught the eye of Liverpool this season, while also earning his first senior England cap, earning his granddad £17,000 in the process from a 33-1 bet placed in 2014.

Cook’s two highest WhoScored ratings in the Premier League this season came in matches against Manchester United (8.26) and Chelsea (7.76), demonstrating his ability against better quality opposition.

FLOP – JERMAIN DEFOE

It seemed a savvy piece of business from Bournemouth to re-sign Jermain Defoe on a free transfer, but not on a three-year deal at the age of 34.

The one thing Defoe promised upon his rivals was ‘guaranteed goals’, but not only has he failed to fulfil that pledge, he has failed to nail down a regular starting berth.

Defoe, who missed two months of the season with a broken foot, only started 11 league games this season, making a further 13 appearances from the bench.

The veteran striker returned to Bournemouth in order to bolster his hopes of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 World Cup but he has dropped completely out of the running since making the move.

With just four league goals to his name this season, Defoe has endured a fairly miserable first season back at Dean Court.

Grade - C