Eddie Howe was excited to see the return to fitness of summer signing Lloyd Kelly. The defender had been plagued by injuries having sealed a £13million move to join Cherries from Bristol City back in May 2019. Ankle and thigh problems have hindered Kelly’s start to life at Vitality Stadium but, having returned to training with Howe’s squad, he featured in a Premier League Cup contest against Nottingham Forest earlier this month.
Eddie Howe said “Lloyd is a huge player for us. I’m really, really disappointed that the Bournemouth supporters haven’t seen more of him, because he’s an outstanding talent, a great athlete, can play a couple of positions. He’s got great potential. I think he can go all the way. Most importantly of course is he’s a great professional. He’s worked incredibly hard on his comeback this time and he’s raring to go. He suits the modern game in every way because of his athletic qualities, his technical qualities and his mentality. He’s one of the best young players mentally that I’ve seen coming through, that’s very strong and very driven.”
Lloyd Kelly enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at hometown team Bristol City in 2018-19, making 34 appearances, but Eddie Howe says the 21-year-old has responded well to his lack of game time so far.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is hoping a visit from a Harry Potter actor can help to conjure up some good fortune at the Vitality Stadium as the club look to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Eddie Howe said “I didn’t know too much about it, to be honest. It’s not like we were looking for some wizardry to come in and make a difference to us. I think it’s something that’s just happened, a little bit by coincidence, but if there is some magic to be had we’ll certainly take it. I should lie, but I’ve never actually seen a Harry Potter movie, so I apologise. I can’t say whether he’s any good or not –- I’ve got no idea.”
Eddie Howe, whose side collected their first win in seven league games against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday, admitted he was not aware of Phelps’s visit but joked that he could certainly use some supernatural powers at this crucial time of the campaign. Bournemouth, who are in the bottom three but separated from 17th-placed West Ham United only on goal difference, face Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday.
