Elliott Ward

The time between the last match of the season and the first friendly is a very difficult time for any dedicated football fan. A lack of events and news resorts fans to get their excitement off any rumour floating around on the internet, regardless of its source and how realistic it is.That's why when Elliott Ward became Bournemouth's first signing of the summer on Tuesday, many Bournemouth fans were happy to enjoy some real news. There were hundreds of rumours as to whom Eddie Howe might sign in preparation for life in The Championship, but I don't think anybody had even suggested the idea of Elliott Ward making the move to the south coast.

Welcome to AFCB, Elliott.

Ward joins Bournemouth boasting an impressive career to date. He started out his career at West Ham, where he made 18 appearances, including three in the Premier League, with a loan spell at Plymouth Argyle in between. Following this was a 1 million pound move to Coventry City where he played 116 times, while also having loan spells at Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End. In 2010 he joined Norwich City, where he became a regular in a team that won promotion out of the Championship, but Ward spent the majority of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest. Standing at an impressive 6 foot 3 inches, he has scored 21 goals over his career, and has appeared in 245 games since his debut in 2004. He has been a part of two teams that have won promotion into the Premier League, has played in said league for two teams and has never played below the Championship in his career; quite an impressive signing for a club that only 3 years ago was banned from signing anybody.

Ward helped Norwich gain promotion in 2011

Where Ward fits into the side is another matter though. No Bournemouth fan can dispute the superb performances of Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook last season, and both deserve their chance in the Championship. However, Ward will have come here for first team football and I'm sure that is why Eddie has brought him to the club. This means we have (at least) 3 quality centre-backs, with question marks surrounding the others in the squad. At the very least Ward will provide competition for Cook and Elphick, but it seems we have signed a player good enough to start for most in this league. We also should not underestimate the value of his height- he scored 3 times for Forest last season and while be a dangerous weapon attacking corners, and very helpful when defending them. In a league that will no doubt be more skilful, but also tougher physically adding imposing players will certainly aid our cause.

Ward spent last season on loan at Notting Forest

As I've never seen him play, I asked around on twitter and a few kind Nottingham Forest fans were kind enough to tell me about our new signing.

Sean Trowell @trowelly87

He started off playing like Bristol Rovers manager John Ward and only ever thumped it long, however he was much improved after xmas. For someone with a head as big as his (literally) he should score and win more headers, overall a useful Championship defender.

JJ Miller @Miller10

I thought he was class, started off slowly and a lot of fans didn't rate him but he won them over by the end. Not the quickest player but he's as strong as anything and a very good defender, reads the game well and can tackle. Very, very good in the air both defensively and from set-pieces. Very good signing for you especially on a free. Surprised we didn't try and get him.



Based off these opinions of fans who watched him over all of last season it seems we have an impressive signing joining the team. Thanks for reading!

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