In Eddie We Trust

It has been a busy 24 hours at AFC Bournemouth, with the arrival of experienced full back Ian Harte, the announcement that Steve Fletcher has a new job role and Steve Cooke extending his contract.

Ian Harte’s arrival followed the usual rumours of he was definitely going to sign and then he was definitely not interested in signing, but Eddie got his man after impressing Harte with his plans for the future.

Harte at 35 is an experienced campaigner and will sure to be a calm head in the dressing room next season, plus he has a quality left foot and I definitely look forward to seeing one of his trademark free kicks hit the back of the net.

Harte signed a one year contract on a free transfer, the same as Elliott Ward another defender with bags of experience.

Thankfully it comes as no surprise that when everyone around him is getting excited about promotion, prospective signings and next season’s fixtures Eddie Howe goes about his business quietly and calmly.

Signing two experienced defenders with Premier League and Championship pedigree gets a big tick in my book but the biggest positive has to be the fact we signed them on free transfers and for only one year.

Let’s face it the last thing we need is a lot players demanding large wages, if they either can’t get in the side or if unimaginable happens and we find ourselves back in League One next season.

It would be easy to try and sign as many former premier league players looking for one last payday who demand a big wage and a long contract, which has been the downfall of many clubs.

With talk of only one or two more new arrivals before August 3, there will be plenty of familiar faces pulling on the red and black shirt next season.

It is good to see us trusting the young lads who got us up last season and this was reinforced today with Steve Cooke signing an improved three year contract, that is why I trust Eddie and know whilst he is at the helm we are in safe hands.

Good luck to super Fletch who has just taken a new job as a scout for the club, will be good to see him around Dean Court this season, it would not be the same without him.

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