AFC Bournemouth-Club | EPL24x7

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth interim boss Gary O’Neil provides Joe Rothwell injury update #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 22, 2022

GARY O'Neil insists summer signing Joe Rothwell is “extremely keen to get involved” having yet to feature competitively for Cherries. Arriving at the Vitality Stadium after his contract with Blackburn Rovers expired, Rothwell has been sidelined since picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly with Bristol City. Speaking earlier this month, Gary O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Joe has a few more weeks of work to do but will be fine. Footballers know they are going to get injured at certain times. “It’s never nice and it’s tough to go through those times in the gym on your own where the other boys are out there playing football, doing what you want to be doing but can’t. “I’ve spoken to him a couple of times and he seems fine and understands the process. “He knows everyone is keen to get him back out there but only when it’s safe and right to do so. “He's working hard and is extremely keen to get involved, as players always are when they are injured.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Cherries interim manager Gary O’Neil praises Dominic Solanke and Philip Billing #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 21, 2022

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil has praised hard-working Dom Solanke for doing the dirty work for Cherries, labelling the striker’s efforts off the ball as “absolutely massive” for Cherries. One-time England international Solanke opened his account for the campaign in the away victory at Nottingham Forest two weekends ago but was restricted to just two shots at Newcastle on Saturday. With Cherries on the backfoot and looking to hit the Magpies on the counter, the 25-year-old had to toil away out of possession, harassing and closing down opponents. Only Philip Billing attempted more pressures than Solanke, with the Dane edging past with 27 pressures compared to Solanke’s 26. Reflecting on how his striker has responded to the task of leading the line, O’Neil shared: “It’s hard for Dom. “I feel for him at times, but that’s the nature of the league. “We’re not going to dominate all of games all the time. “Dom works his socks off for me and you can see he comes off and we’ve not created loads of chances for him and he’s put in a load of work. “People that maybe don’t know, could underestimate how big Dom is for this group. “Absolutely massive. I couldn’t ask for a better number nine to go and face the challenges that we’re faced with.” In the absence of goals from Solanke, midfielder Billing has stepped up, netting twice in his last two appearances. Another player prepared to give it all for the side in terms of effort exerted, Billing also received praise from O’Neil. “And it’s nice, Phil has emptied the tank in every single game,” continued O’Neil. “I remember looking at him against Wolves to start with and then Nottingham Forest the same thinking ‘you’ve given everything, we’re going to need to get you off’. “He deserves his goals because he’s been brilliant since I’ve taken over.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil has planned AFC Bournemouth’s training schedule ‘just in case’ he is still in charge #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 20, 2022

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil revealed he had planned Cherries’ training schedule for the next week “just in case” it is still him in charge of the team. The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough midfielder has been working on a game-by-game basis with the Dorset club, following the sacking of Scott Parker last month. O’Neil is yet to taste defeat while at the helm, with two draws and a win coming from his three matches in charge. Cherries now have a pause in fixtures due to the international break, with their next test coming at home to Brentford on Saturday, October 1. Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle, O’Neil said: “Training for the next week is all planned. “I planned that, just in case it’s me. And then the guys will speak to me, either on the phone or in person, or however we catch up and they’ll let me know what the plan is for the next week.” Quizzed on whether he was looking forward to a break in fixtures after a hectic spell, the coach said: “I don’t know, I’m enjoying it. So if there was another game, I would be looking forward to it. “If there isn’t and it’s still me doing the work with the boys, I’m looking forward to working with the boys on the grass for two weeks, to try and improve things that need improving. Give people a bit of a rest if they need a rest, work some of the others that need to work. “My focus now, in case it’s me, is let’s get the boys in the best place we can for Brentford.” At the time of writing, O’Neil was rated as a 2/1 shot to get the Cherries job on a full-time basis. Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche was an 11/8 favourite.

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Newcastle manager Eddie Howe gives view on competitiveness of ex team – AFC Bournemouth squad #AFCB #NUFC

By Kanak Chauhan September 20, 2022

EDDIE Howe insisted Cherries were “very well-coached tactically” and had players that have “proven themselves in the Premier League before”. The legendary Cherries boss, who piloted the Dorset club from the depths of League Two to the Premier League across two separate spells, was asked about the competitiveness of Gary O’Neil’s side following their 1-1 draw with his Newcastle squad. Previous comments from former Cherries boss Scott Parker, before his sacking last month, implied the Dorset club were “weaker” than they were at the end of last season, and not competitive for the top flight. Asked about the work done by the likes of interim boss O’Neil, as well as coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, to make Cherries competitive, Howe said: “They’ve got some very good players. “They’ve got players that have played in the Premier League for not just a short period of time, they’ve proven themselves in the Premier League before. “So, yes it’s not the same squad, but certainly the core of the group is there and I think they’ve proved today (Saturday) they’re stubborn. Very well-organised, very well-coached tactically. “They didn’t leave any spaces for us. We have to give them a lot of credit. “Of course, I’m in this (Newcastle) camp, and I’m looking at us going we need to do a lot better to break that down.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil has reportedly ’emerged as a contender’ for Huddersfield job #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 20, 2022

INTERIM Cherries boss Gary O’Neil has reportedly “emerged as a contender” for the vacant Huddersfield Town job. The Daily Mail claims the Championship Terriers “like O’Neil’s profile for their head coach role” and he is among “potential candidates under consideration”. Since Scott Parker was sacked at Cherries last month, the 39-year-old former Portsmouth and West Ham ace has guided the Dorset club to five points from three top-flight games. He has seen Cherries draw with Wolves and Newcastle, either side of a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Nottingham Forest. Speaking about talks with Cherries’ board after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Magpies, O’Neil said: “The talks this week will be about who is taking training this week, there will be nothing more than that. “The people upstairs will let me know. Richard Hughes or Neill Blake or whoever it is this time will let me know who is taking the team for training this week. “The boys have two days off, they will be due to be in after that. “I have no idea if I will be in charge, no clue. I’m really enjoying it, but I’m not interested in discussing what the future is for me really. “Let’s not take away from the fact that the boys have just given me absolutely everything, given the fans everything. We’ve had three good results from a real tough moment.” Huddersfield are on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Danny Schofield last week. At the time of writing, former Terriers boss David Wagner was odds-on with SkyBet to get the job at John Smith’s Stadium.

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Cherries interim manager Gary O’Neil believes ‘Leader’ Neto helped with defensive ‘organisation’ at Newcastle #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 19, 2022

GARY O'Neil described Neto as a "leader", but played down suggestion of the goalkeeper being a key difference-maker against Newcastle. The Brazilian earned lots of plaudits after the 1-1 draw at St James' Park, particularly for an eye-catching double save just before half-time to deny Joelinton and Ryan Fraser. He was only beaten by a second-half Alexander Isak penalty. Former Barcelona man Neto also looked assured at dealing with aerial crosses during the latter stages to help the visitors hold on for a point, but O'Neil was visibly becoming frustrated at times on the sideline by the goalkeeper's distribution in the second half. Asked how big a role the 33-year-old played in earning the draw against Eddie Howe's Magpies, interim boss O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "A lot of people have asked me about Neto. "It’s a bit of a whirlwind when you’re on the side, but I don’t remember any massive saves where I think ‘we’ve got away with one there’. "I felt fairly comfortable. Of course there are moments and at the end of the first half there was a sequence of set plays. "I remember them having a long distance one that he had to tip over or around the post." O'Neil added: "Nets was really good for us. He’s a leader. He helps with the organisation of the back-line. "But I didn’t feel like he was ever flat-out keeping us in it, to be honest."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Eddie Howe believes Ryan Fraser produced a decent performance against Bournemouth #NUFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 19, 2022

EDDIE Howe feels Ryan Fraser produced a "decent performance" on Saturday, despite being bombarded with abuse from the travelling Cherries fans at St James' Park. The section of supporters who made the trek to the north east made their feelings known towards their former star, regularly booing and chanting against him whenever he got the ball during the Premier League contest. Fraser used to be a fans' favourite on the south coast, until the summer of 2020. With his contract running down, the Scot opted against signing a short-term deal to try and help the club stay in the Premier League following the enforced break due to the initial COVID-19 lockdown. Cherries ended up getting relegated under Howe, with Fraser moving on to Newcastle United on a free transfer. Speaking after the move, Fraser added further fuel to the fire, saying: "At the end of the day, I need to look after myself. My contract was done, so it’s not like I refused to play any games. "The worst thing is that I didn’t want them to go down – it would have been a lot easier if they had stayed up. With me playing, without being big-headed, I think I would have helped massively. "I wanted to help the team and I didn't want them to go down. "I felt if I played - without sounding big-headed or big-time - because I'm very honest, I hope people think that, I'd like to think I'd have kept them up. That hurts even more. "But I wasn't under contract so I didn't actually do anything wrong." Fraser had numerous shots during Saturday's 1-1 draw, denied by a brilliant diving Neto stop, before being replaced with 20 minutes to play. Asked if he spoke to Fraser in the build-up to the game to prepare him mentally for the reception he might receive from the Cherries fans, Newcastle boss Howe said: "We had discussions in the week, as I would have discussions with all my players in the build-up to the game. "I thought it was a decent performance from Ryan. "We probably didn’t him enough of that ball in the first half. There was some good little moments from him. "But I think our attacking players, probably their overall performance were epitomised by the fragmented nature of our performance. "We couldn’t build that momentum to really show them at their best."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil ‘surprised’ Newcastle were awarded a penalty after VAR call #AFCB #NUFC

By Kanak Chauhan September 18, 2022

GARY O'Neil says he was "surprised" to see Jefferson Lerma penalised for handball, insisting: "If I was looking at the VAR images, there's no way I would've given a penalty at that moment." With Cherries leading Newcastle United at St James' Park thanks to Philip Billing's opener, the hosts were given a quick chance to level when Kieran Trippier's cross struck the arm of Jefferson Lerma. Referee Craig Pawson did not initially award a spot-kick, but, after consulting with video assistant Stuart Attwell, went to the pitchside monitor and overturned his decision. Striker Alexander Isak slammed home the penalty, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. It is the second game in succession Cherries have been penalised for a handball in the box, with a VAR review seeing Lloyd Kelly punished during the 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest. Asked if he was frustrated by the call against the Magpies, interim boss O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "I don’t know if I’m frustrated. I understand it’s difficult. "That is the perfect situation for VAR, because there is no way the ref could see that live. "So I understand it going to VAR, I’m just really surprised at the conclusion they have come to. Jefferson Lerma has gone to put his body in the way of the ball, his arm swings, as it does when you’re moving. He’s not looking at it. "So I was just surprised. If I was looking at the VAR images, there’s no way I would’ve given a penalty at that moment. "That’s not a criticism at all, it’s just my opinion, I thought it was harsh."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil says Cherries ‘delivered exactly what we asked’ at Newcastle #NUFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 18, 2022

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil said he was “pleased with big parts” of Cherries’ 1-1 draw at Newcastle and his players “delivered exactly what we asked”. The visitors took the lead at St James’ Park when Philip Billing fired them in front in the 62nd minute. The Magpies had failed to convert their territorial possession into chances but seized a lifeline three minutes later when VAR ruled a handball against Jefferson Lerma allowing Alexander Isak to slot home the equaliser from the penalty spot. A draw puts Cherries on to eight points from seven league games this season. Since taking interim charge after the sacking of Scott Parker, unbeaten O’Neil has five points from three fixtures. Assessing the display as a whole, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I’m pleased with big parts of it. I think there’s a slight disappointment because I thought the goal was harsh on us. “But I tend to try and judge it on what I’ve asked the boys to do and if they deliver, and they did. “They delivered exactly what we asked. So pleased, with a slight tinge of disappointment we didn’t get all three points.” Cherries weathered a wave of Newcastle pressure in the latter stages on Tyneside. Quizzed on whether he was fearing the worst at 1-1, the former Portsmouth midfielder said: “Not fearing the worst, because we went to Nottingham Forest two weeks ago and we suffer a huge blow with a VAR penalty just before half-time, that sends us 2-0 down. “Anyone watching that thinks the lads are dead and buried and they respond. “And then when it goes 1-1, you hear the place rocking and I’m thinking, ‘come on then lads, what have we got? They’re coming, it’s definitely coming’ and they stood up, they were excellent. “They were chucking balls in the box, it was a little bit scrappy, but no real scary moments for us. I thought we defended really, really well.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil recognizes contributions of Eddie Howe to Cherries development as a club #AFCB #NUFC

By Kanak Chauhan September 17, 2022

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil is hoping to keep his team on message when Cherries face Newcastle, whilst understanding the narrative surrounding the reunion with legendary manager Eddie Howe. Focus this season has turned to Howe’s first encounter with the club after his departure in the summer of 2020, with numerous current Cherries handed their debuts by the now Newcastle United manager. READ NEXT: Newcastle hosts Cherries with both sides on seven points after six games, and whilst stand-in head coach O’Neil understands that there will always be sentimental links and storylines ahead of games, he believes his side will be unwavering in their approach to today’s game. Reflecting on the reunion, O’Neil shared: “I think the boys are very used to there being noises outside that can take away from what is another game. “And the boys will always approach it as the next game, whether it's going back to your old club, whether it's an old manager, whatever it may be. There will be things like that for somebody every week and we just approach it like it's another game. “Obviously, Eddie's impact on the club was huge. “I'm sure everyone around here is still grateful for the fact that when he came in, they were in League Two and he took him to the heights of the Premier League. “So it’s an incredible job he's done. But the boys will approach it like we're going to Newcastle to win a game of football and see if we can accomplish that.” The match with Newcastle marks O’Neil’s third game in charge of the side as the club continues their search for a permanent manager. After a dull 0-0 draw with Wolves to mark his managerial debut, O’Neil’s charges bounced back to complete a rousing comeback win over Nottingham Forest last time out. When asked if the 3-2 victory looked good in terms of showing his managerial credentials, O’Neil shared: “That isn't what I'm thinking, but, yeah, I'm sure it would have been. “I'm not considering my CV. I'm just fully focused on the 25, making sure they're ready, making sure I've given them everything they need and that they're ready to go and represent the club again on Saturday.” O’Neil then shared his belief that his side will face a tough atmosphere at an amped up St James’ Park, with the former Bolton man stating: “I think the style of football they're playing at the moment helps get the fans off their seats and create an atmosphere. “The boys will be ready. We know what's coming. We go up there determined to show a real resilience and show our qualities.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Adam Smith ‘proud’ to be reaching a decade of service for Cherries #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 15, 2022

ADAM Smith admitted he did not expect to reach a decade of service with Cherries when he signed permanently at the Vitality Stadium in January 2013. 31-year-old Smith had enjoyed a temporary spell on loan with Cherries a few years prior, before returning to the club on a permanent basis from Tottenham Hotspur during the 2013-14 campaign. If the right-back features against Newcastle United this weekend, he will become just the third player to have featured in 150 Premier League appearances for Cherries – meaning he will have missed just 47 of the Dorset club’s games in the top-flight. After signing a one-year extension this summer, Smith looks set to reach a continuous decade on the south coast, remaining at a club he has made over 350 appearances for. Reflecting on the upcoming milestones, Smith shared: “You don't see it often these days. “When I first joined Bournemouth, I honestly didn’t expect to be in ten years. “It's obviously a great achievement. I’m quite proud that I've lasted here 10 years and like I said, you don't really see it often these days. “So, yeah, quite proud of myself.” When asked to pick out his most memorable moment in his Premier League career to date, Smith highlighted his first strike in the Prem, a goal that sparked a comeback in the 3-3 draw with Everton. Smith calmly plucked the ball out of the air, before knuckling his shot into the top left corner of the goal from outside the box. The right-back replied: “It’s tough that - but obviously my first goal probably is the standout one and it was quite a crazy game as well. “It was 2-0 down against Everton at half time, and then I come on and scored great goal and then it ended up being 3-3 in the end. “That one probably sticks out the most to be fair, because it was my first goal.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Philip Billing reveals enjoyment in new found freedom on the pitch #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 14, 2022

PHILIP Billing revels in his “free role” in the Cherries midfield, with the midfielder believing it allows him to “concentrate about the football”. At the start of the season, the Danish international was deployed in a slightly unfamiliar role in Scott Parker’s new look system, with Billing tasked with more defensive duties than he had previously been during Cherries’ promotion campaign in the Championship last term. The 2021-22 season was arguably the peak of Billing’s career so far, with the 26-year-old contributing 10 goals and 10 assists in his most productive season to date. Billing opened his account for the current campaign with a wonder-strike against Nottingham Forest in Cherries’ last game, with the Dane restored to a less restrictive role under interim head coach Gary O’Neil. Speaking on the freedom he has been given, Billing told the Daily Echo: “I enjoy playing the free role. “Just playing free and going on the pitch and not having too many things to think about. “Just concentrate about the football because I know my ability, I know what I'm capable of. “Just to have that free kind of role and get into the space and roaming the pitch, it’s nice. “Of course, I still have to help the team defensively, which we all have to do, that's what I have to do every game.” With Cherries still looking for a permanent head coach, Billing pointed out Cherries were in a good position after picking up seven points in their opening six Premier League games. However, the former Huddersfield Town man is also aware that there is plenty of football still to be played, calling upon his teammates to continue “building” on their solid start. He added: “Like I said, it's just the beginning. We just have to keep going. “Still very early doors. Hopefully we just keep building on that.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Interim Cherries boss Gary O’Neil insists new recruit Marcos Senesi is ‘training well’ with Bournemouth squad #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 14, 2022

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil insisted summer signing Marcos Senesi was “training well” in the background at Cherries and added: “We’ll be working hard with him.” The 25-year-old, who joined from Feyenoord last month for a reported £12.6million, featured in the club’s heavy defeats against big guns Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Scott Parker was then sacked following the defeat to the Reds – with Senesi an unused substitute in games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest taken by O’Neil. Senesi, an Argentina international, arrived on the south coast having played 90 minutes in the inaugural Europa Conference League final last season. He helped Feyenoord to third in the Dutch top flight last campaign, having originally signed from San Lorenzo in September 2019. Asked what it was like as a coach to help Senesi adapt to the Premier League, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I don’t think you can look into it too much as in he’s in and around the squad, he’s training well, he’s working hard, as are all the other boys. “Sometimes when you come from playing in another country, there is some time that you need to adapt. “The tough results that he was involved in were just one of those things. You’re playing against top sides. “I don’t think there was any real fault of Marcos attached to it, I think it was just one of those where it was a group thing. “We’ll be working hard with him to make sure that, when needed, he can help us.” Senesi will hope to be involved when Cherries make the trip to face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Saturday (3pm).

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Interim Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil reveals taking ‘little bits’ from ‘good managers’ he played under #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 11, 2022

INTERIM Cherries boss Gary O’Neil insisted he had taken “little bits” from managers he had played under but insisted: “I’ve got my own thoughts and beliefs.” As a player, the 39-year-old featured 214 times in the Premier League, in spells at Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Norwich. As well as sealing three promotions from the Championship, O’Neil also played nine times for England at under-21 level. Asked about the managers he worked with during his playing career, the former midfielder said: “I’ve taken little bits probably from everyone. “I’m not sure which bits and which bits I haven’t. But I’ve worked under some real good managers. “Harry Redknapp, Sam Allardyce, even Alex Neil later on in my career was very good. “So, I’ve worked under some good managers, tried to take some bits with me. “I’ve been studying this coaching side for a long time now as well and I’ve got my own thoughts and beliefs on what needs to be done. “I’m very, very fortunate to have had such a good playing career, working under some good guys and taken some bits with me.” At the time of writing O’Neil was priced as a 2/1 second favourite to get the Cherries job on a full-time basis, behind ex-Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil thinks Graham Potter leaving will not make difference in Brighton’s performance #AFCB #NFFC

By Kanak Chauhan September 9, 2022

GARY O’Neil believes Graham Potter’s departure from Brighton would not give Cherries any further advantage, as the south coast sides prepare to face off on Saturday. Potter masterminded the Seagulls to fourth in the top-flight, with four wins from six games this season. But he has now joined Chelsea along with five of his backroom staff, after Thomas Tuchel’s sacking earlier this week. That means both Cherries and Brighton are set to be without a manager for the clash at Vitality Stadium. Under-21 boss Andrew Crofts is set to take charge against Cherries. Quizzed on preparations for the Seagulls, interim Cherries head coach O’Neil said: “Personally, when I watch games and think about how I am going to prepare our team for it, I look at every aspect. “I try to spot everything I can, in possession, out of possession, where they are strong, not so strong. I don’t know what effect Graham Potter leaving will have on the group. “I’d expect them to be extremely professional around it, arrive here and try to put on a good display. “I don’t think him leaving gives us any advantage. I think it’s the same game that it would have been.” He added: “We focus purely on the team. “Brighton are a fantastic team, had a great start to the season, play good football and have a real, clear identity. I don’t see that changing for Saturday. “I think they will look very similar to how I have seen them looking to every other game I have watched them in. “We will be well-prepared for what they bring. I feel like the boys are in a good place and I am looking forward to seeing where we can get the group to again.” Brighton secured a 5-2 victory over Leicester City last time out. “They are a good side, they want to control the game with the ball, they have threats all over the pitch,” said O’Neil. “They have scored a lot of goals already of course this season. I have watched all their games and we will be ready, I’m sure.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Callum Wilson recalls controversial last minute goal against West Ham United in 2017 #WHUFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 9, 2022

Callum Wilson has recalled his controversial equaliser which earned AFC Bournemouth a 3-3…

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly speaks after comeback win over Nottingham Forest and team unity #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 6, 2022

SKIPPER Lloyd Kelly shared his belief that Cherries will always stick together when the going gets tough, with the defender sharing “that fight is here and it’s in the changing room”. Cherries looked dead and buried at half-time on Saturday, with Nottingham Forest 2-0 up and in control of the Premier League clash at the City Ground. However, a tactical switch and some inspiration via Philip Billing’s blasted strike from long range gave Cherries momentum early on in the second half, with goals from Dominic Solanke and sub Jaidon Anthony completing a 3-2 turnaround. Captain Kelly played the full 90 minutes, setting up Solanke’s equaliser by heading a corner into the path of the striker’s acrobatic attempt. The week leading up to the Forest game was chaotic, with the side still reeling from a 9-0 defeat away at Liverpool when head coach Scott Parker was dismissed for his repeated digs at the board. Stressing the character shown by his teammates, Kelly told the Daily Echo: “It’s been a tough week, of course, for everyone it has been. “But we've been trying to focus on what we can control, the games we play. “The past two results have been good for us and we've stuck together. “That fight is here and it's in the changing room. You can see it within everyone and to a man, each of us back each other and sticks behind each other when things go tough. “I think we knew if we got one goal, it could change the game, it could change the swing of the game and the momentum, and it did. “So that was our number one thought, get more pressure on the ball, get more pressure higher up and cause problems.” Stood inline with Billing when he let fly from range, Kelly shared that the team had been encouraging the Dane to try his luck from range more often. Kelly added: “I said to him after, I was literally stood behind it, it's a good strike. “We've been telling him for a long while now to shoot because you know what he's capable of when he has time and space to hit a ball. He's one of the best. So, yeah, I'm pleased for him. Pleased for everyone. In the end it was Solanke who proved the difference, grabbing a goal and an assist. The winner came about when the striker harassed Forest defender Scott McKenna, allowing him to tee up Anthony. Praising his striker, Kelly stated: “You can never question Dom’s work rate. “He puts in everything that he can for everyone and he knows what can come from putting in that work, his goals, and creating chances. When the chance comes to him, he’s going to take it.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil reveals his shock at ridiculous penalty and reveals tactical tweak in 2nd half #AFCB #NFFC

By Kanak Chauhan September 5, 2022

INTERIM Cherries head coach Gary O’Neil thought the spot-kick awarded against his side at Nottingham Forest was “harsh” and said: “If that is a pen, I feel like we're in a ridiculous place.” The Dorset club were penalised after Neco Williams’s fierce strike cannoned off the hand of Lloyd Kelly at the City Ground just before the interval. Referee Michael Oliver, who had given the spot-kick on-field, was asked to look at the pitchside monitor by VAR Graham Scott. But the official stuck with his original decision. Brennan Johnson fired home from 12 yards to make it 2-0 to the hosts. Cherries however roared back with goals from Philip Billing, Dom Solanke and Jaidon Anthony to take all three points. Asked about the penalty decision, O’Neil said: “I was surprised. I obviously saw it back and I thought it was harsh. “It’s just hard to know. I said to the fourth official at the time, I don’t even know the rule now. Is that a pen? Is it not a pen? “I mean, if that is a pen, I feel like we're in a ridiculous place. “I think it’s Nico Williams that had the shot and he smashed it at probably 60, 70 miles-per-hour at Lloyd Kelly from a yard away. “It's hard to know what a natural position is for your arm, but I think Lloydy's was probably in it. “I think Lloydy's arm looks worse after the ball has hit it, probably, because it flings up in the air off the ball. “So, yeah, I was surprised and I thought that could be a killer blow for us – 1-0 going in at half-time, I was really positive around what I felt and what I was going to say to the boys. “But I thought that 2-0 was a real tough blow for us at that moment, so fair play to them for the response."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil reveals what he said at half-time and Dominic Solanke praises Cherries character after stunning comeback victory #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 4, 2022

CHERRIES interim manager Gary O’Neil urged his side to “believe and go again” ahead of their remarkable 3-2 comeback victory at Nottingham Forest. The former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and West Ham midfielder saw his side staring down the barrel of defeat, after goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Brennan Johnson saw them 2-0 down at half-time. But a wonder-strike from Philip Billing, followed by Dominic Solanke’s bicycle kick turned the game on its head before Jaidon Anthony’s last-gasp winner three minutes from time. Asked for his emotions post-match, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Just delighted for the boys really. “They did everything I asked of them, they showed belief at real tough moments. “I thought the first-half score line was really harsh on them. We wasted some moments that we need to do better with but I thought to come in 2-0 down after what they've given the first half was really harsh. “Then you ask them at half-time to believe and go again boys. This is what it is, we are where we are. “To respond at that point with the week they've gone through, the quick turnaround from Wednesday to manage to respond at half-time the way they did just says everything about what they are as a group.” O’Neil has now picked up four points from two games since Scott Parker was sacked on Tuesday. “People are probably bored of me saying it now. I've only been in it for five days and I probably said it a million times that they're an incredible group,” said the interim boss. “Honestly, they are just so committed, so relentless. “You can never ask too much of them and they'll keep going until someone tells them to stop they just never know when they're done. “When you've got a group like that, you've always got a chance and obviously the first goal after half-time was massive for us.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PSLtories- Gary O’Neil believes Mark Travers understood decision to be left out and Ryan Christie forgets Manchester City defeat #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 3, 2022

INTERIM boss Gary O'Neil says Mark Travers has "responded well" to the disappointment of being dropped for Wednesday night's clash with Wolves, adding how he "understood" the decision. Having played second fiddle to the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Asmir Begovic earlier in his Cherries career, goalkeeper Travers got his big break under Scott Parker last season. The young Irishman played in all-but one of Cherries' 46 Championship fixtures, and was named as the club's player of the season after helping them clinch promotion to the Premier League. Travers also won a host of other awards, including the Daily Echo/Micky Cave trophy, and the Championship's golden glove having kept the most clean sheets (20) in the division. The 23-year-old was then rewarded with a new five-year contract over the summer, also taking the number one shirt for the first time. He got off to the perfect start, with a clean sheet in victory over Aston Villa on the opening day this campaign. But Travers was then part of the side which conceded 16 goals in the next three Premier League fixtures, including Parker's final game in charge, the 9-0 humiliation at Liverpool last weekend. That proved to be the end of Travers's consecutive run of starts, as one of four players dropped to the bench for O'Neil's first match as interim head coach in midweek. While a lot of the blame in recent weeks could not be solely attributed to Republic of Ireland international Travers, O'Neil decided it was time to take the Maynooth-born ace out the firing line. Experienced Brazilian Neto took the place of Travers, keeping a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw. Asked how being the goalkeeper for such a heavy defeat had affected Travers, O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "After the 9-0, he was fine. I mean, it hits everyone losing 9-0, of course. "But Trav no more than anybody else. I think everybody suffered in that moment at Anfield. "He has responded well, training-wise. Obviously being left out is disappointing to every player. "A goalkeeper always feels a little bit different because there is only one place to fight for. "But he understood that I felt it was best for him and mainly the group. My main concern is the group. "I felt it was best for the group at that time and that’s what my decisions will always be based upon." Neto looks likely to keep his spot when Cherries head to Nottingham Forest for their next top-flight encounter tomorrow (3pm). Discussing the former Barcelona man's Premier League debut against Wolves, O'Neil said: "He handled it well. He had some big moments in the game, he handled them well. "Same as a lot of the players really, especially the defenders handled some big moments well. "It’s nice when you feel that things do need shoring up a bit, to have some experienced boys around."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Unlike Scott Parker, Interim head coach Gary O’Neil believes Bournemouth squad can be competitive in Premier League #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 2, 2022

INTERIM head coach Gary O'Neil insists Cherries' squad "have enough to be competitive at this level", despite what former boss Scott Parker said over the weekend. Parker repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction at the lack of depth within Cherries' squad following promotion to the Premier League. That all came to a head after Saturday's 9-0 crushing at Liverpool on Saturday, which ultimately saw Parker lose his job on Tuesday. Cherries improved to pick up a point with a 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, with O'Neil at the helm for the first time. Asked after the game if he agreed with Parker that this current squad was not sufficient to compete in the Premier League, O'Neil said: "As a group, they’re the most honest, hard-working, together, relentless group that I’ve ever been involved with. Even in my playing career. "You can throw everything at them and they’ll never quit. I think we have enough to be competitive at this level, yes." He added: "Holding on for the point obviously was big. But I don’t think it was even the point. I think it was the togetherness and the performance and how hard they work and how they dug in together that gives them a real feeling of satisfaction and that they have achieved something together, from a tough place at the weekend that wasn’t easy for anybody. "I’ve been there as a player, you go through moments that are tough. "The good thing with football is you always get a chance to respond in the next game. It was key that we did and we’ve started that. "My underlying feeling is really proud of what they’ve given out there. "I’ve only been with them a day and a bit and asked them to produce something like and them to manage to produce it, I’m very proud of what they produced." Discussing what his main message to the group has been this week since taking over, the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough midfielder said: "We tried to go through some bits that we thought would help us (against Wolves), but mainly around the resilience, the togetherness, the response, the results we’ve had and what a great opportunity (Wednesday) was to show everybody that we’re still together and that we can put in performances and bounce back from tough situations." He added: "It was a tough result at the weekend, changes in the week, to be able to come out and show the fans, who were excellent as well by the way, that we’re still together and the boys were willing to give everything and fight and put their bodies on the line was a big positive for us."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Jack Stephens speaks after loan move from Southampton #AFCB #SAINTSFC

By Kanak Chauhan September 2, 2022

LATEST Cherries recruit Jack Stephens detailed how his move across the south coast was a “little bit out of the blue”, before sharing how “it felt like the right time for a fresh challenge.” 28-year-old Stephens has swapped Hampshire for Dorset on deadline day, in a move that was seemingly completed in a short turnaround. The centre-back was spotted watching Cherries’ clash with Wolves at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday night, just hours after initial reports of a move came out. Speaking about the whirlwind final days of the window, Stephens told Cherries’ website: “It was a little bit out of the blue. “Got a phone call yesterday and obviously I was really keen to make it happen and it was all done in a few hours and luckily I was able to get it done. “I was really impressed (watching the Wolves game). “It's a good point coming off from a disappointing defeat. It's great to see that the lads haven't sat on that result. “They've looked to bounce back as quickly as possible and I thought they did that last night with a really good point.” Stephens is more than aware of what it takes to survive in the Premier League, after having played 122 games in the top-flight for perennial relegation battlers Saints. “I've played some games at this level and I've been around it for quite a few years,” he added. “So I'm just hoping that I'm able to offer as much experience as possible. “But for myself, I just want to try and get in the team, play as many games as I can and help the team and the club, stay in the division and push up the league. “Obviously, I haven't been out for a while, I haven't changed club for a while, so it felt like the right time for a fresh challenge and one that I'm really looking forward to. “So, like I said, I want to play as many games as I can and help the team and the club push up the division and hopefully have a successful season.” Stephens’ move was sorted in time to allow the centre-back to train with the first-team this morning. “I knew two or three of them before I came. Obviously I didn't get a chance to speak to them before it happened because it happened quite quickly. “But yeah, I've met all the lads this morning and they've all been very welcoming and I'm looking forward to working with them. “(Training was) really enjoyable. I was quite anxious to get involved and wasn't sure if we were able to get out and train this morning, but luckily I was able to get involved and it's nice to get that first one out of the way and focus on the task ahead.” Cherries have frequently switched between a three-man and two-man central defence over the first five games of the season, with Stephens comfortable in either shape thanks to his education at Saints. He mentioned: “Something that I'm quite used to over the last couple of years. “I've played in teams that played back five and back four, so yeah, I feel comfortable in either formation and whatever the manager wants me to do, I'm happy to do that.

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil on first days as interim boss after sudden sacking of Scott Parker #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 2, 2022

GARY O’Neil has held the ambition of being a football manager for some time – but even the former Bolton and Norwich midfielder did not think his first game in management would come at the top table of English football. No stranger to the Premier League thanks to his 215 games in the top-flight, O’Neil led Cherries to a 0-0 draw in his first 36 hours as interim boss of the south coast club, following the departure of Scott Parker. Still playing Championship football as recently as 2019, O’Neil has been a first team coach at Cherries since February 2021, when he joined as a part of then interim head coach Jonathan Woodgate’s backroom staff. Reflecting on his first days as Cherries boss, O’Neil shared: “I set off on my coaching journey when I started doing my badges with the aim of being a football manager. Did I expect my first game to be in the Premier League, off the back of a tough defeat? “No, I didn’t. “But I think I had 36 hours probably to think about it and I think I used all 36 hours thinking. “So there was a lot that went into trying to get the boys into a place to be able to go out there and give a performance this evening. “The underlying feeling is proud of what they’ve produced and hopefully we can improve certain bits.” Joined in the dugout for the Wolves clash was development squad duo, and former Cherries favourites, Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick. The pair stepped into the breach alongside O’Neil, after numerous members of Parker’s coaching team followed him out of the door at the Vitality Stadium. “They’ve given me as much help as they can,” O’Neil shared. “It’s obviously a whirlwind for everybody, such a short period of time to get ready for a game. “But everybody around the club that could help me has helped me. “It’s nice to try and pull together in a tough moment and to manage to hang on at the end when they had some big chances and we had to put bodies on the line. It would’ve been a tough blow for everybody to concede one late on. So just really pleased and the staff have been great. “If I’m analysing the game from watching it on the touchline, it didn’t look exactly how I wanted it to look. “We lost control a little bit in moments and they were the dominant force for spells. But I think we could’ve hurt them more with our moments. “Some of our moments were big moments, so I think we need to improve that. “We need to have more of those moments, we need to be more of a threat, but to put in a performance like they did with the togetherness, the organisation, the determination to keep the ball out of your goal and trouble a very good Wolves side on a few occasions was a good start.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie admits he is yet to speak to sacked boss Scott Parker #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 1, 2022

WINGER Ryan Christie revealed that he is yet to say his goodbyes to departing head coach Scott Parker, instead putting all his focus on Cherries’ clash with Wolves. The Scot, a deadline day signing last summer, was brought to the Vitality Stadium by the outgoing boss from Glasgow giants Celtic. Parker’s dismissal was announced on Tuesday morning by the south coast club, leading interim boss Gary O’Neil to step into the breach for the visit of Wolves with little preparation time. With an important match against Wolves on the horizon, Christie shared how it was important for the side to concentrate on the game. Speaking to the Daily Echo, the 27-year-old shared: “I've not had a chance to speak to him yet. “I'm hoping to send him a text or maybe get a phone call later in the week after the dust settles a bit. “I think even though it was sad news, people losing their jobs, but we had to concentrate on tonight. “After the dust settles, I'll give him a text for sure.” Cherries had less than 36 hours to prepare for the clash with Wolves following the sacking of Parker. Christie stated that side should be “proud” of the result following the rocky circumstances leading up to the game, with the combination of Parker’s departure and the 9-0 loss away to Liverpool fresh in the memory. He continued: “We go into the game wanting three points, but when you look at the last three days we've had off the back of a really tough trip to Liverpool, obviously, and then everything that’s happened off the park. “I think overall, when you look at that performance, I think the boys can kind of be proud of that. “Over the last few games, a lot has been said about the amount of goals we conceded. “So first and foremost, to get a clean sheet, you see how much it meant to the boys last ten minutes, putting bodies on the line to stop the ball going in. “Another day we probably go up the other end and maybe nick a goal. “Dom kind of had a half chance and we felt like we had them for a ten-minute spell at the start of the second half. “But, like I said, I think we're all kind of happy with a point after the last three days.” When asked how the squad found out about the news of Parker’s removal, Christie replied: “It’s just the same time as everyone else. “Everyone outside of the game thinks that we kind of get the inside scoop, but it's just as much of a surprise to us as well. “We just came into training to find out the news, surprising news and you're always shocked. “It's always sad when somebody loses their job, but it's not the first time in my career that's happened. “It's a ruthless sport in terms of, especially the timing of it – we’ve got a game tonight and we had to focus on that and like I said, as ruthless as it sounds, everybody has to turn their heads on to concentrate on tonight. “That's what makes, I think, the point so impressive.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Bruno Lage not sure about transfers and frustrated with Bournemouth stalemate #WOLVESFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan September 1, 2022

Bruno Lage believes ‘something can happen’ on deadline day as Wolverhampton Wanderers target…

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Bruno Lage says ‘pressure is on’ Wolves against managerless Cherries #WOLVESFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 31, 2022

BRUNO Lage believes Cherries must forget their Anfield nightmare and the pressure is all on Wolves in Wednesday’s Premier League showdown. The south coast side sacked Scott Parker today, after their record-equalling 9-0 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday. Wolves go to Vitality Stadium still looking for a first top-flight win of the season. But Wanderers boss Lage expected the message from Bournemouth caretaker manager Gary O’Neil would be for his players to move on fast. He said “I know it’s strange to say it but (you) don’t mention it. It’s in the past, you know that kind of games can happen. They took nine, we took five against Manchester City (in May). Sometimes it happens. “I saw the goals, any shot went in. It happened with us against City, Kevin De Bruyne – any shot he got he scored an amazing goal. These things can happen. “When you score one, two, three goals in 20 minutes after that you can score six, seven, eight, nine or 10. It’s important to move on. “If I was on the other side, I would take nine, forget the game and put all my energy into the next one. We will go with full energy. “It’s just a game, it’s three points. I know it’s hard to take but it’s just three points.” Wolves drew 1-1 with Newcastle on Sunday, after Allan Saint-Maximin’s last-minute leveller, to continue their winless start. Willy Boly is not expected to feature after failing to show up for the Magpies draw as he tries to force a move to Nottingham Forest while Chiquinho (knee) is out. Lage added: “They have more points than us. I know the place is a hard place to play but we have to go there with the same spirit we had against Tottenham. “Every game is a chance to get points, the pressure is on our side to have points. “For now it’s more important to have the time to understand what kind of work we are doing. Any manager, especially us, we don’t have the time we’d like to prepare the team. We need that time.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- David Moyes on West Ham vs Tottenham, Lucas Paqueta, Craig Dawson, transfers and Scott Parker #WHUFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 31, 2022

Any injury updates? Like anything else, when you play a game on a…

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Jurgen Klopp believes Parker did ‘outstanding job’ at Cherries and outlines his transfer strategy #LFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 30, 2022

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp said Scott Parker was doing an “outstanding job” at Cherries and insisted: “In a club like Bournemouth, you need backing from everybody.” The Merseyside manager, a winner of the Champions League and Premier League at Anfield, saw his side dish out a 9-0 hammering to Parker’s side on Saturday. The result equalled the Premier League record for biggest margin of victory, as well as the joint-highest defeat for Cherries as a club. Prior to the game, Klopp described Cherries as a “proper team” for the way they earned Championship promotion last season, as well as outlining his respect for the Dorset outfit in his programme notes. Klopp was also seen comforting Parker on the touchline during the record-equalling result – a gesture which was described as a “touch of class” by former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas on Match of The Day. Parker admitted to the Daily Echo the defeat had been the toughest day of his career in football, as either a player or coach. Asked by the Daily Echo whether he felt sympathy for Parker, and whether he had spoken to him after the game, Klopp replied: “We spoke, of course, but not about that. He didn’t moan or whatever about the situation. “But when you look at the other two teams who went up (Fulham and Nottingham Forest) and you look what they spend. “Then you look at Bournemouth and you think, okay… What will happen there? It’s not about the squad is not strong enough or whatever, not at all. It’s just the league is a really tough one. “Especially I think in a club like Bournemouth, you need backing from everybody, because it will be difficult. “It’s clear in the moment when you have the promotion – then it’s already clear, the problems start now.” Parker joined Cherries after leaving Fulham in June 2021, signing a three-year contract at Vitality Stadium. He guided Cherries to the Premier League last season, finishing second behind Fulham in the Championship table. “I think he is doing an incredible, absolutely outstanding job arriving there and getting promoted immediately in a league where Fulham is flying away, Nottingham Forest were flying – that was a big one,” continued Klopp. “Yes, I have a lot of sympathy for him.” Cherries’ next top-flight test comes against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Vitality Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm).

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s owner Maxim Demin issues controversial statement on Scott Parker’s departure #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 30, 2022

CHERRIES owner Maxim Demin shared that the decision to part ways with head coach Scott Parker stemmed from a difference in views on the "strategy to run the club sustainably." This morning Cherries announced that Parker would be departing the Vitality Stadium just over a year after his appointment, after three losses from the club's first four Premier League games. In numerous interviews, Parker repeatedly stressed that his side needed further reinforcements, citing that there were a "million different reasons" Cherries had not strengthened over the summer. Demin also seemed to suggest that Parker did not "show belief in and respect for one another". Speaking to the club's website, Demin shared: “I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us. “Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history. “However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and a Club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably. “We must also show belief in and respect for one another. “That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.” Gary O'Neil has stepped into the breach to serve as interim manager, with development squad coaches Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick assisting. Cherries are next in action tomorrow, when they host Wolves at the Vitality Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ryan Fraser ready to fight for his place with Newcastle United and Scotland as Eddie Howe remembers limited budget at Bournemouth #NUFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 30, 2022

Ryan Fraser says he is just trying to help Newcastle United whatever way…

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Honest Scott Parker will tell players when it’s time to ‘move on’ after embarrassing 9 – 0 loss against Liverpool #AFCB #LFC

By Kanak Chauhan August 27, 2022

BOSS Scott Parker opened up on what he described as the "hardest part of the job", admitting: "Football is ruthless at times." With the end of the transfer window fast approaching, Cherries are working tirelessly to improve their squad to give them the best possible chance of staying in the Premier League. But on the other side of the coin, the only way new arrivals can be accommodated is for other players to be let go, due to Premier League squad registration rules. There are currently no vacant spaces within Cherries' 25-man list, which will have to be submitted after Thursday's deadline. That means players will either have to be loaned out or sold, or will be ineligible to play in league fixtures, until January at least. Asked how he has developed the ruthless streak required of disappointing players by either leaving them out of a team or selling them, Parker told the Daily Echo: "It's difficult. Of course it's difficult. "It's the hardest part of the job to be honest with you, whether that's on a Saturday when you have to name a squad of 19, 20 players and there’s certain players who have worked hard during the week but are not in it. "It's not an easy part of the job. And then also the part of the job where you need to get to and where you need to go and when you step up levels in the Premier League, the levels are absolutely huge. "There’s a combination of a lot of things. Us as a football club, what's best for us in the development of the football club and how we move forward. Players, their personal feelings towards that. Do they want to play? Don't they want to play? They want game-time. "I'm a manager that is always very honest with players, so if I don't feel that someone's going to get playing time, then I'd rather give him a heads up on that to obviously move on. "If I don't think a player is for me and is not for us at this present moment in time, then again it's an opportunity to move on. "This is a hard part of the job, but football is ruthless at times and this is just part and parcel of it, of what you have to do sometimes." The likes of Siriki Dembele, Jamal Lowe, Emiliano Marcondes and Jack Stacey have been linked with moves away this month. Asked if it makes it more difficult because some of the players who could move on played a key role in the club clinching promotion last season, Parker added: "I was a player for 20 years in it. It was the same with me at certain moments. "At Spurs, I came off the back of an incredible season at Spurs and AVB (Andre Villas-Boas) came in and wanted to go another way. "In football and modern day, the way we are, you need to accept what the positions are in the game we're in, really. "So, of course, I have nothing but huge respect and appreciation for every single one of my players, for sure. "But like I said, the levels go up. And for us to evolve and for us to improve and try and stay in this division, these are the decisions and the actions which probably need to take place at certain times. "While they're not easy, this is what sometimes you have to do."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Scott Parker on Anfield ‘challenge’, transfers and Nat Phillips #AFCB #LFC

By Kanak Chauhan August 26, 2022

BOSS Scott Parker’s message to his squad ahead of Cherries’ trip to Anfield is clear – to ‘try and challenge’ Liverpool, rather than find the experience ‘daunting’. Parker will travel to Merseyside as the last manager to record a Premier League win away at Liverpool, with his Fulham side the last team to beat Jurgen Klopp’s Reds at Anfield back in March 2021, a 1-0 victory. Liverpool are yet to record a win this season, with Klopp’s charges tasting defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United on Monday. Their first home game of the campaign ended in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, with the away side opening scores. Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Parker shared: “These are the games that certainly when I was as a player and even now, sitting here as a coach, these are ones you thrive off, really. “You're going up in boxing terms, pound for pound. “They’re elite in everything they do. And you need to adopt an attitude, which is you want to go and try and challenge that. “You want to relish that opportunity and try and get the better of that, rather than the opposite, really. And I think that's probably the main message. “That was certainly the main message before when I’ve been to Anfield, certainly the way I thought about playing against these big players in these big teams. “It was one I embraced and one that I look forward to, really. So, yeah, I need to give that message to the team, really. "And these players, which is very new to some of them, the Premier League, Anfield, Man City away. “These are all big challenges, but ones they need to embrace and look forward to. “The other option is you find it very daunting, you find it very difficult. "And that's the polar opposite to what I want, really. So, yeah, we need to (It’s cliché), but we need to enjoy it. Of course we do. “We need to enjoy it in a real positive way. We need to establish ourselves. We need to show our qualities, for sure. “And while they may be limited and while they may be very difficult, is certainly something we need to embrace in that sense.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Scott Parker shares delight after Norwich City cup win, transfer business and David Brooks contract signing #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 22, 2022

BOSS Scott Parker is hoping players with Premier League experience can be added to his Cherries squad by the end of the transfer window, insisting: "Everyone is trying everything they can to try and strengthen us." Cherries fell to a second humbling defeat in as many weeks on Saturday, crashing to a resounding 3-0 home loss against Arsenal, having been beaten 4-0 at Manchester City seven days earlier. Parker's men currently sit 14th in the embryonic Premier League table, picking up three points from an opening-day win over Aston Villa. They are set to drop to 15th tonight, once the third round of matches have been completed. Speaking after the loss to Arsenal, Parker slammed his squad's first-half performance, in which they conceded twice in the opening 11 minutes. He said: "In terms of our general endeavour, our body language, our humility to accept certain situations, I thought we were just easily disappointed. Our general demeanour was pretty poor really and I was disappointed immensely with that." Asked if he felt any of that could be put down to his squad lacking in Premier League experience, and perhaps some players being overawed by the occasion, boss Parker told the Daily Echo: "Maybe, it could be. "I think you’re right to maybe say that. "This is a young team. There’s a lot of young players out there, players that have probably not experienced the level and the quality that they’re going to be facing. "That’s my job to obviously let them understand that that’s part and parcel of the Premier League. "Many a bigger team than us have faced what they faced (on Saturday) and Arsenal have done that to them. But we need to understand that and keep going in those situations really." Cherries have so far this summer recruited five players, but only one of those arrived having played in the Premier League before, in injured full-back Ryan Fredericks. Asked if he would like to bring in some more players with Premier League experience before the transfer window slams shut on September 1, or if it is hard for the club to get deals over the line for players within that sort of bracket, Parker added: "Hopefully that can be the case, for us to evolve as a football club. "When you get promoted, the expectation of getting promoted and the levels of what you’re going into, to evolve and to improve is certainly something that hopefully we can do with obviously getting promoted. "There’s 10 days left and everyone is trying everything they can to try and strengthen us and try and move the squad on in that sense."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ryan Christie admits first-half ‘magic’ from Jesus was tough on Cherries #AFCB #ArsenalFC

By Kanak Chauhan August 21, 2022

WINGER Ryan Christie insisted “a bit of magic” from in-form Gabriel Jesus set the tone for Cherries 3-0 defeat against Arsenal. Jesus played a key role in the Gunners’ opener after just five minutes at Vitality Stadium. After shrugging off new Cherries centre-back Marcos Senesi following a ball forward, the Brazilian skipped away from Jefferson Lerma and Adam Smith before sliding a pass to Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli’s shot was saved before Martin Odegaard fired home to give Mikel Arteta’s side an early lead. The Gunners skipper then netted again six minutes later, leaving Cherries reeling before William Saliba struck a third in the second half. Assessing the contest, Christie told the Daily Echo: “It’s tough. You feel for the boys because they work all week in the starting line-up and you go into the game in 11 minutes, you find yourself 2-0 down and it’s hard. “The first goal is a bit of magic from Jesus, the second goal is an unbelievable finish on a tiny offside decision that just went against us. “Those are the sides of the game that it comes down to in this league. It’s frustrating but it’s very early on in the season, there’s nothing to get too down about this early.” Defeat was Cherries’ first in the league at Vitality Stadium since January. Scotland international Christie added: “Obviously it’s frustrating. First and foremost, no matter what team comes here, at home we always fancy our chances to get a result. “We were obviously confident going into the game, worked a lot on it and it’s just frustrating. “The boys are obviously frustrated by how the first half went. Arsenal showed their quality – they have got some unbelievable players, especially in that attacking line-up. A couple of moments of brilliance from them killed us. “I think second half as a team we were better, just in terms of competing a bit more and I think we were in the game a bit more. “It was a bit unfortunate for the boys, the third goal, the timing of it, because it felt like we were gaining a bit of momentum at the start of the second half. That seemed to kill us a little bit. “They are a very good side and there are positive to take from it. The second half was better – that’s the kind of level. We played to that kind of level against Aston Villa, got the three points. “That’s the level we need to find consistently in this league if we are going to be successful.” Cherries head to Norwich on the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, before a trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Jaidon Anthony on making his Premier League debut and leaving Arsenal #AFCB #ArsenalFC

By Kanak Chauhan August 21, 2022

STARLET Jaidon Anthony labelled his Premier League debut as a “special day” even if Cherries’ 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was “disappointing”. Two first half goals from Martin Odegaard effectively decided the result 10 minutes into the game, leaving Cherries head coach Scott Parker to switch tactics at half-time. The winger was introduced as a half-time substitute for Marcos Senesi, seeing Cherries move from a 3-5-1-1 to a 4-3-3, with Anthony deployed on the left-wing. READ MORE: William Saliba added a third shortly before the hour mark, but Cherries were notably improved in the second period. Reflecting on his first taste of Premier League football, Anthony told the Daily Echo: “It was disappointing, the first half, for the team. “They punished us very quickly and we didn't really get near them too much. “So, we just wanted to try and make an impact in the second half, and get around them and I thought we'd done a bit better. “Obviously disappointing result, but a special day. “We didn't really get too close to them in the first half and the manager just wanted to try and get near them, get around them and I think the new formation definitely helped. “It was a disappointing day overall. We'll learn from that, for sure.” Released by Arsenal as a youngster, Anthony was playing non-league football with Weymouth just over two years ago. Despite his meteoric rise and breakthrough into Cherries’ first team and promotion to the Premier League, the Hackney-born winger is remaining level headed. When asked how he was feeling after becoming a Premier League player, he shared “I guess the same old Jaidon! “Obviously a special day and one I dreamed of for a long time. “I just want to get my head down and hopefully have a big impact this season, and get some more game time.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Scott Parker admits “Not Happy” with Bournemouth’s ‘demeanour’ in Arsenal defeat after incredible Brighton win #AFCB #ArsenalFC #BHAFC

By Kanak Chauhan August 21, 2022

BOSS Scott Parker expressed his disappointment with Cherries' first-half display against Arsenal, insisting: "Our general demeanour was pretty poor." Cherries found themselves 2-0 behind inside 11 minutes at Vitality Stadium, with Gunners' captain Martin Odegaard bagging a brace. William Saliba added a third early in the second half as the red-hot Gunners cruised to a 3-0 victory, to move top of the embryonic Premier League table. Asked if this was another harsh reality of the quality in the Premier League, following on from the 4-0 loss at Manchester City last weekend, Parker told the Daily Echo: "It probably is in that sense. The quality of what we faced today was probably clear for all you guys to see. "I was bitterly disappointed with the first half really. "I thought we showed a real lack of humility about us. And the game can look like that in terms of the levels of what we’re up against. "The game can look the sheer quality of what we’re up against, individually, that’s going to be the case and that’s clear. "But I just thought in terms of our general endeavour, our body language, our humility to accept certain situations, I thought we were just easily disappointed. "And while we could never get a foothold in the game, and never cause or pose Arsenal any sort of problem, our general demeanour was pretty poor really and I was disappointed immensely with that, to be honest." Asked how concerning the players' body language during the first half was, Parker added: "A little bit concerning. I’m disappointed with that really. "I’m disappointed in terms of our reactions at times and our reactions to the brilliance of what we were up against. "I stepped into this game today having a clear understanding and a clear picture in my head of what this game may look like at times and what it may look like is the sheer quality of what we were up against at times may be very dominant. That’s just plainly humility from my behalf. "That’s not me being negative and saying okay, because you’re up against huge quality and the quality they possess, can you win it? Of course we can win the game. Of course we can be competitive, I just felt at times today that wasn’t the case and we were easily disappointed. "Whether that was a spell which they have, whether that is individual bits of brilliance they had, we just slowly wilted a little bit and didn’t show a real understanding of that and that’s what disappointed me." Discussing the similarities between this and the loss to Man City last week, Parker said: "There was definitely a difference today, I felt. "I thought there was a big difference today. We’ve played Man City, arguably one of the best teams in Europe. "We’ve played Arsenal today, huge quality and will be right up there as well. So there’s no shame in losing, for sure. "Last week was exactly that, but certainly today in the first half, I felt it wasn’t a team I wanted to see in that sense really. I was disappointed. "Second half, improvement. Okay, we changed it tactically and went to a back four, but ultimately the big difference was an understanding of how a game, when you’re Bournemouth, playing against Arsenal, is going to look at times and an acceptance of the brilliance that’s on the pitch and at times the quality of that can’t disappoint you. "Like I said, the first half I felt that was the case."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook and Mark Travers admit motivated by Aaron Ramsdale and his rise at Arsenal #AFCB #ArsenalFC

By Kanak Chauhan August 20, 2022

CHERRIES talent Lewis Cook believes victory on the opening day of the season was “massive” for the side, as their tough run of fixtures continue against Arsenal this Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm). Arsenal’s visit to Dorset is sandwiched between away trips to the Etihad and Anfield to face Manchester City and Liverpool, two sides firmly cemented as England’s two best teams in recent years. The Gunners are no mugs themselves, with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners one of only two teams in the Premier League to have won both of their opening fixtures, with Cherries’ last opponents, City, the other side with an intact 100 per cent record. Cook played the full 90 minutes in Cherries’ single previous win over the London side, a 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium in January 2018. Reflecting on heading into the Arsenal fixture with three points already on the board, Cook told the Daily Echo: “Obviously you want to be on the pitch and enjoying your football but I think the first game season was massive for us. “We know the tests coming up in the next three games so we've got a good three points. “Tough game (against City), like we knew it was going to be but, like I say, we have Arsenal at home and we give it our best shot. “Definitely another top team. It's going to be a test for us but like I said, we want to play against the best teams and give it our best shot. “So looking forward to the game and hopefully getting three points.” Cook also revealed that he was looking forward to crossing paths with Aaron Ramsdale again. The pair featured in 26 Premier League games for Cherries, whilst also playing together for England’s under-21s against Qatar in 2018. He mentioned: “Yeah, definitely (looking forward to seeing Ramsdale). “He's a top guy, top ‘keeper as well. So looking forward to the game and hopefully we can put it right there.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Scott Parker admits ‘decision’ to be made on Marcondes closer to transfer window and reveals fans role in survival #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 19, 2022

BOSS Scott Parker outlined his “huge respect” for “constant professional” Emi Marcondes but insisted there was a “decision” to be made regarding the midfielder closer to the transfer window shutting. A report from Danish media outlet Bold.dk this week claimed Brondby were interested in taking the former Brentford man on loan. In quotes translated from Danish, the report claimed Marcondes said: “I will not comment on which clubs have approached, but I have had good talks with my manager (Parker) about the road to playing time getting shorter and shorter. “He is very satisfied with my work effort and my professionalism, and hopefully it won't be long before I fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League.” Asked what it was like to have that conversation, and how big a role Marcondes could play for his side this campaign, Parker told the Daily Echo: “Those conversations are those conversations, really. “Like anything, you move up in levels and the levels of where you're going to is down to the players. Ultimately their talent and their levels - opportunity of course. “Regarding Emi, big challenge for him, that's clear. Last year, probably didn't play a lot of football at the back end of the season in the Championship. Wasn't really involved in and around it. “Constant professional, he had a big part to play early on and then just found his way. Found himself out the side, really. “So, look, a decision probably will be for Emi again this year in that sense. “And we'll have to make that call when we get closer to that window or between now and then, to see exactly what Emi wants and how that picture may look for him this year. “But, yeah, ultimately that will be down to him.” Marcondes is yet to play a minute for Cherries in the Premier League this season, having been an unused substitute against Aston Villa and Manchester City. He only featured twice during Cherries' Championship run-in since the end of February last campaign. Put to him whatever happened he would have a lot of respect for the 27-year-old, the Cherries boss replied: “A million per cent, a lot of respect. Huge respect for Emi. “A constant professional, like you said, through disappointing times for him, not involved or not around the squad. “His behaviour and the way he handles himself, very consistent and he's very professional in that. “So, I have a huge amount of respect for Emi first and first and foremost as a guy and the way he handles himself.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s defensive duo Lloyd Kelly and Chris Mepham on new signing Marcos Senesi #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 17, 2022

DEFENSIVE duo Lloyd Kelly and Chris Mepham are looking forward to playing with new signing Marcos Senesi – with both centre-backs enthusing about the quality of the Argentine international. Senesi became Cherries’ fifth signing of the summer when he arrived from Dutch side Feyenoord for a reported €15 million, bolstering a threadbare back three that had previously seen midfielder Jefferson Lerma deployed as a central-defender. The 25-year-old came off the bench on Saturday against Manchester City to make his Cherries debut, with his new head coach Scott Parker labelling his cameo as “exceptional”. READ MORE: Senesi’s fellow centre-backs similarly held praise for their new teammate, with club captain Kelly telling the Daily Echo: “He's come in and settled in well. “Of course, everyone knows what quality he has, what he brings to the squad and he'll get the opportunity to show that, 100 per cent. “You’ve seen that when he did come on (against City), that he's comfortable on the ball, he's willing to find passes, and it's just another person that we can rely on, as a squad.” Mepham was also impressed by the former San Lorenzo man, sharing: “He looks very good. Left-footed, lovely on the ball. “I think you saw that when he came on (Saturday). Composure in certain moments to play out from the back, and I think we’re going to need that this year. “Personality to get on the ball and be brave in certain moments. “I thought at 3-0 down, it’s important that we try and express ourselves in our own way and I thought we tried to get on the ball, especially in the second half. I think that’s going to be important going forward.” With the switch to three at the back and the arrival of Senesi, there has been some discussion to where the new signing will play in the back three. Skipper Kelly seemed to hint he will operate in the middle of the defence. Kelly, who is also left-footed, believes having a fellow leftie in the team will take some getting used to. He mentioned: “Personally, it's different to playing with a right-footer in the middle of a back three, of course, because most of the time you want to open out on the right foot. “So maybe where the majority of the play is coming down the right-hand side, with Marcos in the middle, that it may come down the left-hand side a little bit more. “But saying that, we'll just have to see what happens.” Senesi will be hoping for his first Premier League start this weekend, when Arsenal visit the Vitality Stadium (kick-off 5:30pm).

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Cherries Welsh Center Back Chris Mepham discusses battle with Man City superstar Erling Haaland #MCFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 16, 2022

CHRIS Mepham felt Cherries kept superstar striker Erling Haaland "fairly quiet", but admitted Manchester City were "in cruise control" on Saturday. All eyes were on the Norwegian frontman, as he made his home debut for City, following his £51million switch from Borussia Dortmund. But he made just eight touches during the contest, before being substituted on 74 minutes as City eased to a 4-0 victory over Scott Parker's men, with Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden among the scorers. Of those eight touches, two were passes, one of which an assist for Gundogan's opener. No player has started a game for Man City under Pep Guardiola and completed fewer than two passes. Asked if keeping out the 22-year-old, who netted twice on the opening day against West Ham United, can be viewed as a minor victory for him as a centre-back, Mepham told the Daily Echo: "Yeah, I think so. "He’s kind of like an all-round striker. Very physical, quick, direct. "So he’s got a lot of attributes and I think ultimately we kind of kept him fairly quiet. "But, of course, you keep someone like him quiet and then you’ve got the likes of (Kevin) De Bruyne, (Phil) Foden, (Bernardo) Silva coming on, (Jack) Grealish, that can create those moments of quality and you saw that with De Bruyne (on Saturday). "He’s got real quality in those sort of areas and he can hurt you. We would’ve liked to keep most of their players quiet, but it’s obviously a big ask." Reflecting on the game as a whole, which saw Cherries fall behind on 17 minutes, before going 3-0 down by half-time, Mepham added: "I think in an ideal world, you’d hold on to a draw for a bit longer. The longer it stays 0-0, I feel like they need to come out. "But as soon as they got the first goal, I think they were pretty much in cruise control. They scored a couple of goals after that, which is obviously very disappointing. "You know going into the game they’ve got players of huge quality, all throughout their team. "So you know they’re going to create chances. Unfortunately a few of those chances turned into goals. "I think they showed their quality and then obviously 3-0 down at half-time, it’s obviously a big ask to get anything from the game." Discussing the side's performance in the second half, keeping the game competitive with goalkeeper Mark Travers only beaten again by a late Jefferson Lerma own goal, Mepham said: "At half-time 3-0 down, you can either crumble and go into your shell, or you can embrace it and try to enjoy the challenge of playing against these world-class players. "I think in the second half we very much did that. We tried to limit them to few chances and I thought we dug in deep. "It’s not an easy one, but I thought we gave a good account of ourselves." Cherries will look to get back on track when they welcome Arsenal to Vitality Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm).

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Scott Parker ‘pleased’ with second-half performance at Man City and describes Guardiola as underestimated #MCFC #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 15, 2022

SCOTT Parker declared himself "pleased" with the way Cherries battled in the second half at the Etihad, insisting: "Man City away is not a game that will define our season." Cherries fell to a resounding 4-0 loss at the home of the champions, trailing 3-0 at half-time to goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. But Parker's charges dug in after the restart, only conceding again with 11 minutes to play, when Joao Cancelo's cross flew in off the heel of Jefferson Lerma. Reflecting on the loss, Parker said: "This is not our league, Man City away is not a game that will define our season. "This is a game we need to analyse, of course, and we’ll do that, work out where we can improve and get a little bit better. But we dust ourselves down and we go again now." Discussing the side's fight and character at 3-0 down, Parker added: "I was very pleased with that. Three-nil at half-time, you guys are watching the game as well and there have been many teams here where you see the patterns of what happens in those games - 3-0, four, five, six, you’re playing against a team that can expose you at any moment and open that up. "What that normally comes down to is probably quality, but a team losing heart and losing the will a little bit and before you know it, it becomes trickier. "So I was pleased that the second half was what it was. Not pleased with the result, of course not, but at the same time, I understood what (Saturday) may look like." Cherries now have a week to prepare for the visit of Arsenal to Vitality Stadium. Mikel Arteta's Gunners have won both their opening Premier League fixtures so far, seeing off Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Pep Guardiola compares AFC Bournemouth to Tottenham and confident that Haaland striker problem can be solved #MCFC

By Kanak Chauhan August 15, 2022

PEP Guardiola compared Cherries' offensive tactics as "similar" to Champions League side Tottenham Hotspur, after dispatching of Scott Parker's men 4-0 at Etihad Stadium. Jefferson Lerma's own goal rounded off a comfortable afternoon for the Premier League champions, who led 3-0 at half-time courtesy of strikes from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. Cherries were on the back foot for the majority of the contest, with goalkeeper Ederson worked only once, saving Ben Pearson's 20-yard effort. Discussing his side's victory, City boss Guardiola said: "The team did a really good performance against a team that is incredibly well structured defensively. "But just not defensively, offensively as well, because they have good patterns for the build-up, to attract you, to drag you in the short passes, and afterwards they link perfectly with their strikers mainly, but sometimes with the wingers and after they keep the ball, make a switch of play. "Quite similar movements like Tottenham try to do. And defensively they defend so, so deep and so narrow, you have to go outside." He added: "Then in the second half when they don't want to attack, they don't want to press, it's more just being patient." Cherries boss Scott Parker spent two years as a player at Spurs, before returning for a spell coaching their under-18s, before moving to Fulham in 2018.

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Scott Parker reveals Solanke and Zemura were ‘late drop-outs’ #AFCB #MCFC

By Premier League Museum Admin August 14, 2022

SCOTT Parker revealed Dominic Solanke and Jordan Zemura were "late drop-outs" ahead of this afternoon's trip to Manchester City. The pair, a key duo since Parker's arrival, did not travel to the home of the champions, with Cherries going on to lose 4-0. Solanke, who had not missed a league game since Parker took charge last summer, was absent due to an ankle injury, while Zemura tested positive for COVID-19. Asked if the pair withdrew late on, boss Parker told the Daily Echo: "They were late drop-outs. They were drop-outs yesterday morning, so it was disappointing. "Dom has felt his ankle yesterday morning, so didn’t feel he could play today and obviously didn’t want to risk that. "And then JZ, felt ill yesterday so it was a bit of a disruption that late on when you’re trying to prepare as well. "But overall I was pleased with the way we went about it and I was pleased with the players and the group that came on." Asked how much of a disruption it was to lose the pair, Parker added: "It affects it, of course it does. "When you have late decisions to make and you’ve done a lot of work in the week to prep for that, but that wasn’t the reason (we lost). "But of course it wasn’t ideal."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Scott Parker admits the quality of Manchester City was too good for Bournemouth to handle #AFCB #MCFC

By Premier League Museum Admin August 14, 2022

BOSS Scott Parker had no complaints after seeing his side well beaten at Etihad Stadium, admitting Manchester City were "just too good" against his side. Cherries fell to a 4-0 loss at the home of the champions, with first-half strikes from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden added to by a late Jefferson Lerma own goal. The defeat extends Cherries' losing run against Manchester City to 12 matches. Reflecting on the defeat, Parker told the Daily Echo: "The game was the game today. I think we all understand and many managers have probably sat here after a game playing against Man City and the quality that they possess. "The levels were different today. We’ve played against a world class team that can execute in any given moment. "I said before the game, we’re probably going to need to have 11 men with 10 out of 10 performances. We’re going to have to ride our luck. We’re going to have to take the very few chances that we’re going to get, along with every other team that comes here. "They limit your chances and you’re going to have to be clinical. "We didn’t manage to do that. And then obviously their quality shone through really. "The first 20 minutes, after the goal goes in and then two quick goals that go in, at that point obviously you could be on the end of one. "But I was pleased with the team in terms of the way they stuck with it. Showed good endeavour, good personality, were still brave and had courage, so I was pleased with that." Discussing the moments of magic for the opening two goals from from Erling Haaland, to set Gundogan away, and De Bruyne's finish, Parker added: "That’s exactly it. At times today, the levels and the quality was there for everyone to see. "That’s what happens when you’re playing against a world class team and world class players really. "We had our tiny little moments and then they punish you with individual brilliance and where they are as a team." He continued: "I thought to a man my players gave everything they could give today, left everything out there, the difference was the qualities and levels were just too good."

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – AFC Bournemouth skipper Lloyd Kelly admits they came up against the best team in the world #AFCB #MCFC

By Premier League Museum Admin August 14, 2022

CHERRIES skipper Lloyd Kelly says Cherries will have to take heavy defeat with a “pinch of salt”, believing that his side are more than capable of bouncing back from a 4-0 loss away at Manchester City. Kelly played the full 90 minutes at the Etihad as the reigning champions raced into a 3-0 lead before the break courtesy of goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden. Half-time fears of the floodgates opening further were quelled as Cherries mostly kept City at bay in the second half, but Jefferson Lerma was unfortunate to turn home a City cross for the fourth. In the first half Cherries started deep and rarely ventured out of their own half, but after conceding the opener, they opened up and started to come forward with more regularity. That lead to De Bruyne and Foden scoring via counter attacks, effectively finishing the game before the interval. When asked if the mentality changed between the first and the second goals, Kelly told the Daily Echo: “No, I don't think so. “I think obviously we came into this game with the mentality of we're going to be coming up against one of the best teams in the world at the moment and we're going to have to adapt our play in game. “I think obviously later on in the game I think we managed to be a little bit more brave on the ball, and of course that's when the counter attacks came. “Of course, when you come up against the quality like City possess, they're going to cause you problems and they're going to take their chances when they come.” Despite conceding four goals and barely laying a glove on the defending champs, the 23-year-old shared that playing sides of the ilk of Manchester City was the reason Cherries battled so hard to win promotion last term. “I said to the boys before this game this is what we worked so hard for last season to be in this league, and come up against these types of teams and it's part and parcel of being in the Premier League. “I think everyone in the changing room of course, no one wants to come out a game losing 4-0, but at the same time as I mentioned at the start it's we've come up against one of the best teams in the world at the moment and I think you’ve just got to take it with a pinch of salt and move on to the next game.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – AFC Bournemouth’s manager Scott Parker admits he did not fear Manchester City #MCFC #AFCB

By Premier League Museum Admin August 13, 2022

SCOTT Parker is well aware of the challenge his Cherries side face when they visit Manchester City this afternoon – but it is a challenge he relishes, rather than fears. Both Cherries and Parker are yet to taste victory – or avoid defeat – at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, with the Citizens currently enjoying an 11-game winning streak over the South Coast club. READ MORE: Since Cherries’ last played in the Premier League, City have reached a Champions League final, and this summer, they strengthened further with the addition of generational talent Erling Haaland. When asked how to stop the Norwegian, Parker replied: “It'll be difficult, of course. “He is a world class centre forward. We've seen it from afar, probably in Germany, and then we've seen it in the first game against West Ham. “And the power and the pace that he possesses and the quality that he brings in terms of giving Manchester City a little bit more of a different dynamic. “And yes, it's a big challenge ahead for us in terms of individually, defenders, in terms of the team, in terms of trying to stop that, but we'll give it our best shot at trying do that really, it's a good challenge to go and face.” Parker then went on to talk about City as a whole, stating: “I don’t fear it. I realise it's difficult. “I realise it's a big challenge. I don't fear it one bit. I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to going there, for us, trying to assert ourselves in a way we can. “I know that's going to look maybe different to how it can be in other games just through their far superiority on most games of football. “Arguably the best coached team in world football. “And the manager they have, probably a genius in that sense. “Every aspect of the game is really nailed down and then added to that is excellent execution and quality and technical ability of the players as well. “So, yeah, you're right up against it. Any team is when they go there. “I keep saying it's a big challenge, but it's one we embrace. It's one which we looking forward to taking it on and see what we can get out of it.” READ NEXT:

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Nathan Ake admits he expected a day to come when he meets Bournemouth again #AFCB #MCFC

By Premier League Museum Admin August 13, 2022

DEFENDER Nathan Ake insisted he always knew he would face Cherries once again and added: “It was good to see them go up.” Ake played 121 times for the Dorset club in total, having signed from Chelsea for £20million in 2017 following a successful loan spell. The former Feyenoord youngster joined Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in August 2020 for £41million, following Cherries’ relegation from the top flight. He has gone on to win two Premier League titles and a League Cup with City. Speaking about facing Cherries for the first time tomorrow since his move, the Netherlands international said: “It will be good to see them again. There has been lots of change since I was there to be fair, the manager is different and a lot of the stuff is different. “It will be different, but it will be good to see some familiar faces. “I follow them when I can and also it was good to see them go up. I knew this day would come that I would face them again. I am looking forward to it. “Some of them I still keep in contact with. Dominic Solanke is there and he was at my wedding, so it will be good to see him as well. I will see him after the game.” Scott Parker’s side began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa last time out, while Ake helped City overcome West Ham 2-0. He added: “They will be tough opposition to play against, even when we play at home, but we are ready to go.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Scott Parker gives updates on David Brooks return from cancer recovery #AFCB

By Premier League Museum Admin August 13, 2022

HEAD coach Scott Parker said David Brooks was “getting closer” to a return to full training as Cherries looked to step up his workload. The Warrington-born star was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma back in October. But the 24-year-old announced in May that he had completed his treatment and was now cancer free – hours before the Dorset club sealed promotion to the Premier League. With Brooks having been working on a return since pre-season, Parker insisted the club would continue to “tread carefully” with him. The Cherries boss did however reveal Brooks could take part in modified work alongside his squad “in the next 10 days”. Asked for an update on Brooks during Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Parker told the Daily Echo: “He is progressing really well. “Brooksy as well, probably in the next 10 days, maybe will start integrating a little bit with us – again modified, so not actually training but will be doing little bits with the team and start progressing and pushing forward. “Probably the last week to 10 days has been his biggest volume of work in terms of really pushing on a little bit now. “We treaded carefully before and there were a lot of factors involved in that, in terms of markers and seeing how he responds to the physical work - albeit that work was light. “We have probably come through that a little bit now and now we are at the stage where we are going a little bit more in terms of trying to get him up to speed and fit to play football matches. “He is doing really well with that. Fingers crossed that keeps moving in the right direction and he’s getting closer.” Former Sheffield United and Manchester City man Brooks has made 91 appearances for Cherries, 30 of those came during his breakthrough season with the club in the 2018-19 campaign. “David Brooks is a Premier League football player. He is top class in that sense,” said Parker. “We lost him all last year. Now, to get him back will be like a signing for us really because we have missed his quality and missed him really. “We will still tread carefully and we have one eye on that, but hopefully he gets through these coming weeks really and go from there.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Pep Guardiola declares respect for Scott Parker and his style of play #MCFC #AFCB

By Premier League Museum Admin August 13, 2022

LEGENDARY manager Pep Guardiola detailed his respect for visiting boss Scott Parker and insisted Cherries “don’t have anything to lose” at Manchester City. Parker’s side, who picked up a victory at home against Aston Villa last week, are rated as huge 40-1 underdogs against defending champions City at Etihad Stadium tomorrow (3pm). But Guardiola described the test as “tricky” and admits he is a fan of the work of head coach Parker. “I saw their game (against Villa). I have a lot of respect for Scott Parker, the job he did at Fulham and of course last season at Bournemouth,” said the former Barcelona boss. “And this season, the way they play. The patterns are so clear, so clever. We spoke today in training and we're ready." Asked how difficult it was to face a promoted team at this stage of the season, Guardiola replied: “It's so tricky. "New-promoted teams. The first games are so difficult, they don't feel pressure because they are in an incredible mood from the previous season. “They don't have anything to lose, they give everything after the good karma, what happened being promoted, that makes it complicated. “After a few months all the teams have problems with injuries, good moments bad moments, the mood in the locker room. “In the first games, everyone pushes to do better. That’s why it’s always tricky.”

2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s manager Scott Parker on Jefferson Lerma’s language barrier and striker Kieffer Moore #AFCB

By Kanak Chauhan August 11, 2022

CHERRIES boss Scott Parker believes football is a universal language when it comes to breaching the communication barrier with Jefferson Lerma. The Colombian international made a strong start to the campaign, opening Cherries’ account for the season just two minutes into the season with his strike against Aston Villa. Despite playing in the slightly unfamiliar position of centre-half, the 27-year-old put in a battling display, helping his side to record a 2-0 win on the opening day. READ MORE: Since arriving on the south coast from Spain in 2018, Lerma has yet to master English, largely communicating in his native Spanish. And whilst Parker admitted it was sometimes “tough” to get his tactical points across, he hailed the former Levante man’s footballing brain. Speaking about the midfielder destroyer, Parker told the Daily Echo: “It's been tough, training on the grass, classroom stuff, just in terms of explaining to him certain things, his positions and showing him clips. “He's football bright, so while his English isn’t great, he understands things. “Jeff’s a player that you give him information and you deliver information, he quickly understands it and executes it.” Parker then went on to praise Lerma’s winning mentality, labelling him a “street fighter”, such is his desire to fight for three points once the whistle goes. He believes Lerma’s attributes could prove crucial if Cherries are to achieve their pre-season goals of survival. The former Fulham boss enthused: “He’s everything what you want in your team, to be fair. “Jefferson Lerma, when he crosses that line in an instant, you know what you're going to get. “And he's a street fighter, he's got quality as well. He's got real desire to want to win games and we're going to need that.” Lerma will reach the landmark of 150 games in a Cherries shirt if he makes an appearance against Manchester City at the weekend. Out of his 149 games for the Dorset outfit so far, 64 have come in England’s top flight. READ NEXT: