Ryan Fraser- Next Big Thing?

Due to his small size, it's sometimes hard to distinguish as to whether Ryan Fraser is a Bournemouth player, or rather a ball-boy who has managed to sneak on to the pitch. However, even at the young age of 19 his record is extremely impressive.

His January 2013 400,000 pound transfer from Scottish Premier League outfit Aberdeen was a big move for the young Scot, although so far it looks like it is paying off. Born and raised in Aberdeen, Fraser rose through the ranks at his local club and went on to make 21 first team appearances for The Dons, although many of those came from the subs bench. A small, tricky winger Fraser was almost certainly unheard of by most Bournemouth fans when he made the long move to the English south coast aged only 18.

In an interview with the Scottish Sun, Fraser explains some his reasoning behind deciding to join The Cherries: 'I went down and met Eddie. He showed me to the stadium, the training ground and took me on a two-hour tour of Bournemouth.The people were nice to me and everything was perfect. I thought ‘This is definitely for me'. Fraser added: 'I see League One as a challenge that will push me. I thought about it when I first came down and I reckoned this is really good club which has got a really good chance of getting promoted to the Championship. And I could be getting a regular game to improve myself.'

However, life at Bournemouth has not been a breeze for Fraser. He has only made 5 appearances so far, although injuries and the form of Marc Pugh and Matt Ritchie have limited his chances to established a starting spot. But this summer at the 2013 Euro Elite competition Fraser was a regular for the Scotland U19 team, with coach Ricky Sbagria labelling his performances as 'outstanding'. Although Bournemouth's promotion to The Championship provides a challenging step up for a young player like Fraser, it is easy to see him becoming a key part of the team next season. As we found out this year, a few injuries to key players can have a seriously detrimental impact on the performance of the whole team. If Matt Ritchie or Marc Pugh suffer an injury or loss of form, there's no doubt that Fraser will be ready to take his chance. It's also possible that Ritchie may move on, with many clubs rumoured to be interested in the former Swindon player.

Fraser in action for Aberdeen

I think that we'll see a lot more of Ryan next season. Wes Fogden is not a natural 'winger' meaning that although he's ideal to bring on when you need a tireless worker, Fraser is a more obvious fit into Eddie Howe's style of play. His speed and direct style may have more of an impact in The Championship, where Bournemouth are no doubt going to utilise more counter-attacking play than before. It's noticeable that all 3 teams promoted from The Championship (probably out of our reach) had dangerous wingers at their disposal, such as Craig Noone, Wilfried Zaha and Robbie Brady. It's important that Ryan is developed with patience, but I hope, and think that he will become an important player for us next season. 

Three In, One Out

Eddie Howe has today completed the signings of three players, making them the first players he has signed since his return to AFC Bournemouth as manager. He previously stated he was going to bring in a 'few quality addtions' and he has certainly delivered on that promise, though it is not certain whether his January dealings are finished.

Yesterday defender Daniel Seabourne joined on loan for the rest of the season from south coast neighbours Southampton for the rest of the season. Seabourne was a regular for Exeter City before he signed for The Saints in the 2009/10 season, where he helped contribute to their promotion the following season. A terrible accident kept him out for a long period of time last year, and he only managed to make 6 appearances, all coming in non-league competitions. This year he made 7 appearances on loan to Charlton in the Championship, while he was also on the Saints bench during their 2-2 draw at Chelsea. Seabourne certainly comes with a good history and will provide more quality depth to the Bournemouth backline, especially if Steve Cook is found guilty in his court case.

Seabourne joined on loan yesterday

The next signing was Ryan Fraser, a highly coveted 18 year old winger who signed from SPL team Aberdeen. He has only recently broke into the set up at Pittodrie, but has made 23 appearances and will surely be a great addition to Howe's squad. At five foot four he's on the small side, but he known to be a proper direct winger who will attack full-backs and whip in dangerous crosses. While at 18 he has plenty of potential yet to be reached, his style of play will add another element to a very dangerous Cherries' attack.

Fraser heads to the south coast with a growing reputation

Also signing today was goalkeeper Ryan Allsop on a free transfer from fellow League One side Leyton Orient. Previously of West Bromwich Albion, Allsop signed for Orient on a six-month contract in the summer and impressed at Brisbane Road, going to on to make 24 appearances for the O's. Eddie Howe was clearly impressed with his performance in their 2-0 defeat at Dean Court in October, and snapped up the 20 year old on a three and a half year deal. With 5 goalkeepers now on the books, Allsop clearly has competition for the starting spot, but with the help of playing alongside ex England international David James, the future is bright for him.

Allsop is Howe's latest capture

Meanwhile long serving midfielder Mark Molesley has joined League Two side Exeter City on a free transfer. Molesley played a pivotal role during our years in League Two but numerous injures have stopped him from getting a consistent run in the side during the past couple of years. Having impressed on loan at Plymouth, I have no doubt he'll turn out to be a fantastic signing for The Grecians, all the best Mark!

Molesley departs