Bournemouth's Summer Transfers- A Review

Paul Groves first off-season in charge proved to be an eventful one, with many players coming in and many also heading out of the exit door. For once, Cherries fans had a reason to be excited about the transfer window, as new funding meant we would be buying players, not selling them! With a squad largely filled with former boss Lee Bradury's players, Groves used the summer to put his own stamp on the team. Many players, including a couple of senior team members were released, and a lot of money was spent on bringing in quality additions.

In this blog I'll summarize each signing made, my thoughts on the player, and how they have fared so far at AFCB.

Josh McQuoid- Returning after 18 months away at Millwall is former youth team player Josh McQuoid. Fans were mixed on his return due to the rather controversial circumstances in which he left the club during the 2010-2011 season. That said, Josh showed his potential during a short run in the side which lead to his 500,000 pound move to the Championship. Though his time at Millwall was not the most productive, there is no doubt that if he can perform to his best then he will be an extremely valuable addition to the team.

Lewis Grabban- Hoping to prove himself at a higher level is forward Lewis Grabban, who joins after scoring 20+ goals for Rotherham in League Two last season. Previously of Millwall and Brentford, a rumoured 300k was spent on him, in the hope that he can continue this form in League One. A key element of his game is his versatility, as he can play up front or down the wing. Grabban has made a solid start this season, featuring in all four games and bagging himself a goal in the process. He still has to prove his worth, but so far the signs are promising.

Frank Demouge- Big Frank is a summer signing from FC Utrecht in the Dutch Evredivisie. A tall target man with a knack for scoring goals, he is an exciting addition to the squad, though he is still a rather unknown commodity. An injury has delayed his first action in a Cherries shirt, but I for one, cannot wait to see him in the red & black stripes.

Miles Addison- Miles returns after a fruitful loan spell at Bournemouth last season which saw him regularly start in central defence. A large, bulky defender, Addison was the target of Championship clubs, but he was convinced to return and try to help the Cherries gain promotion this season. He has fared well so far, and has even been chosen to captain the side. He provides leadership and confidence at the back, qualities that are often priceless in both a captain and a defender.

Eunan O'Kane- The Northern Irish U-21 international joins after a spectacular season at Torquay United, where he helped them make the play-offs, and he was also selected for the League Two team of the season. Known for his attacking creativity, Eunan was signed in the hope that he can provide a dynamic spark to the midfield. He has fared okay to date, clearly the adjustment to League One will take time, but his potential is visible for the fans to see. I think if Groves can find the right role for him in the team then this signing will pay off, until then, the jury is out.

Richard Hughes- The former afcb and Pompey midfielder returns to the club eleven years after he left, after a one year break from football, where he opened his own restaurant in London's west end. This is a risky punt by Groves, who is clearly banking on Hughes finding the form that made him a Premiership player earlier in his career.

Tommy Elphick- Centre half Elphick joins the club from his boyhood club Brighton, where he was recently a starter in their promotion winning side. Unfortunately a long injury forced him to miss all of last season, and due to Brighton's improving stature, a move to Bournemouth proved to be his best chance of first team football. He has so far started 2 out of the 3 league games, looking comfortable as he plays along his new defensive partner Miles Addison. While it will take time for him to return to full match fitness, Elphick should be a quality player to have in this league.

Lee Barnard- Prior to the Portsmouth game Groves made a dip into the loan market and got Lee on loan from south coast neighbours Southampton. He boasts a great track record in this league with both Southend and Southampton, and showed his quality when he equalized against Portsmouth in the first match of the season. He has started brightly so far this season, and if he continues to shine he may become a permanent Cherries player come January.