It has been a relatively dull Premier League season for Bournemouth…but that is an incredible feat.
Bournemouth have worked their way to the rarest of things in the Premier League this season: a second chance.
Eddie Howe’s side made two big signings last summer in Nathan Ake and Jermain Defoe who were supposed to push the side on to another level.
But while Ake has made his mark, Defoe has struggled to four goals this year and left Bournemouth needing to go again in the summer in their hunt for more threat.
Callum Wilson’s seven goals suggest he may kick on next season as he continues his comeback, although the club is unlikely to put so much risk into him.
Instead, they will get their re-do and one glance at the league table shows how well Howe has done to earn that.
Bournemouth have looked like an established Premier League side despite a major transfer failure where the likes of Southampton, Swansea City and West Ham United are all on the brink of paying the price of relegation for theirs.
The Cherries have not had much to shout about this season but they will live to fight again – and that is progress.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
