Eddie Howe insists he will focus on signing British-based players as he seeks to bolster Bournemouth’s squad for their maiden Premier League season.
The Bournemouth boss was in the Monday Night Football studio this week to discuss his side’s Championship title win and promotion to the Premier League with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher and he says he’s already started planning for next season.
Howe says he will go into the transfer market this summer and will focus on signing players with proven experience in England’s top flight.
“Predominantly we will go British-based,” he said.
“In our situation going into a new league with so many unknowns we want dependable players that we know. I think the make-up of our squad will be British.
“That’s not to say we won’t look abroad and we have cast our net quite wide to try and find the best players for us.”
Howe guided Bournemouth to 90 points as they were promoted to the Premier League, but is aware his side will face a fight to survive next year.
Burnley and QPR have been relegated straight back to the Championship after winning promotion last term and Howe says he learn from their mistakes without losing sight of the strengths of his players.
“It’s only wise to look back and reflect on previous teams and how they’ve had the challenge that we’ve had and adapted to that,” he added.
“It’s only prudent that you learn from other teams and what their aims are and what they’ve worked with.
“But we are Bournemouth. We are unique and we can’t copy anyone else. Certainly to be a part of this squad you need special characteristics.
“One of our key strengths has been our team spirit and we don’t want to lose that in any way shape or form.
“We’ve got to enhance that and that’s our challenge.”