What Does January's QUIET Transfer Window Say About AFC Bournemouth?

This season presents AFC Bournemouth's BEST chance to achieve European football. Under Andoni Iraola, Cherries have put in a shift in 204/25, but now with a stretched squad and lack of senior players, fans assumed we would strengthen to enhance our chances of Conference football, or even Europa. But we haven't. Sam Davis explores why...
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[@johnycarper1]

Perhaps some of the injured players are closer to a return than we know and if not we have done very well without them, I have supported the club for over 50 years and we are in such a good place now. Lets not say its been a bad window lets just accept those running the club have things in place and all fully support the team every game.

[@foxual13]

Interesting how similar our winter window activities have been. Buy young talent and loan straight back for both teams. I can’t help but think that both teams don’t want to negatively impact on what appear to be tight squads with a fantastic work ethic and who would die for each other on the pitch. I’m all for it from an NFFC point of view though I can’t help imagine it feeling different for Bournemouth fans what with your large number of injuries.

[@markhillman4378]

Well said Sam. As always, measured, passionate, informed and intelligent. As Bill said in the Men in Blazers interview, culture and squad character rank high in priority. We don’t panic buy, we invest in talent, which seamlessly integrate with what we already have and personally I don’t want us to be a one-season-in-Europe wonder. I want us to build a sustainable growth club, which can become a fixture of the European scene and re-shape our reputation into a recognised force in football (against all the odds, which makes it even more precious!)

[@DavidCotton-os3um]

Are Bournemouth going to be relegated this year? No. Therefore anything that is or isn’t achieved by May this season is a bonus. It’ll be refreshing the last day of the season not to be dreading the full time whistle and looking at other results. Great video as usual.

[@OldJoe1912]

Thanks for the video Sam. Never been a fan of the January window, it is suited to agents getting more money. I am not disappointed that nobody has come in. If a player does not tick all of the boxes we don't really want him. The squad we currently have all know Andoni ball, some will be returning soon and that gives Andoni the chance to rotate a little and give some players a little rest. I certainly won't be disappointed if we just miss out on Europe but obviously happy if we do make it. It will bring in more revenue and make the club even more of an attraction. We are ahead of schedule as Bill mentioned so that is a positive statement and sees how his vision is coming to fruition. The current players have the right mindset and all know which way we are heading, no reasons to be negative about the club, just need to win over some of the typical Bournemouth Fans who look for negatives week in week out. Onwards and upwards, up the Cherries 🍒🍒🍒

[@mike130557]

Regarding the European situation, that old saying ‘Don’t run before you can walk’ springs to mind. Yes, we may well scrape into the ‘lesser’ level(s), and we might do OK, but I feel that our thin squad will probably struggle, as many of them will be completely cream crackered by the end of May. This will, of course, only add fuel to the nay-sayers who still think we are a Championship side, NOT a Champions League Club! But I hope to be proved wrong, only time will tell. 🍒⚽️Up the European Cherries⚽️🍒

[@BrianTenBeers]

On every team that I follow, whenever they do something that doesn't make sense or that I don't agree with I remind myself that the coaches, managers and owners of that team know a hell of a lot more than I.

[@andywillis2650]

Great points made there Sam. Formula has been tried & tested, in Iraola and the board we trust !

[@Beardedjohnny]

Think you’re pretty spot on there Sam, listening to the men in suits chat with bill foley he said he’s speaks to andoni frequently and im sure he’s probably asked him if he can manage with the players we have and those returning from injury. Also agree that if we had signed or loaned a striker there’s a good chance time would be needed for them to adapt to Antonia playing style therefore they’d be out for a few weeks by which time we hopefully would get players back from injuries. Anyways as always great vid - up the chez🍒

[@safe3293]

As a Watford fan, I hope that Bournemouth and Forest get UEFA Champions League next season. Top 5 is doable. Your clubs are everything I wish for Watford but we're far from it since 2022

[@Josh-kq7fg]

Its sad we used to be neck and neck but 19/20 changed it all

[@safe3293]

​@@Josh-kq7fg your new ownership in comparison to Gino Pozzo changed it all. I agree it's sad to see no competition between us rn

[@ianm408]

I always liked a trip to Watford ​@@safe3293

[@mugrub]

When Andoni came in it took those 8-9 games for the players to even start to fully get the system - if we sign players now and they take that long to get to speed you'd imagine in that time a lot of the injured guys should be back and the new guys will never get a proper chance - the young kids is the way to go

[@midnightmark4410]

Excellent pod , really enjoyed. Good luck from a Villan

[@ianthomson6554]

I choose to firmly believe that everyone at the club is on the same page. Andoni has repeatadly said that the January Transfer Window is very difficult and whilst he may be frustrated like other at the club, I am confident that he fully understand 20 points from the remaining 14 games (7 at home and 7 away) should be enough to the E word. This is very doable given our 2nd half of the season run in but in Sport, nothing is guaranteed Looking forward to seeing a few returning faces at St Mary's on Saturday 15th February UTC

[@kiwicherry56]

I agree with what you're saying, however with such a thin squad, one more injury in any position and we'll be struggling- regardless of players returning as they wont be 100% match fit. Fingers crossed we can ride our luck for the next few matches 🍒🍒 🍒

[@debdaniels5927]

That is the concern I’ve been expressing constantly!

[@NeilWeedon]

I think the plan is more long term than just splashing some cash on players the club doesn’t really want, only to have to let them go at a loss. That’s not the business we’re in. We have a smart owner, incredible recruitment team and a brilliant head coach. If they’re on the same page, and they seem to be, the future’s bright and worth more than gambling on Europe without good reason.

[@peterrowe-prvvideo1853]

A balanced view Sam. As someone who has been a club CEO, I know it's often hard to not just strike the right balance, but to portray that to the supporters as well. PSR will halve played apart, especially as our club turnover is nowhere near as big as many of our rivals. So did we need to spend in the window? On players who might not have fitted the Iraola DNA required, just for the sake of it? I'm sure the fact that 3-4 players returning for the back end of the season will have been discussed - and the form we are currently in. The No.1 priority would have been to lose no one and then look at what was out there that would be a smart addition. If not available then don't spend and wait until a more favourable opportunity arrises in the summer. We know there will be bids from other clubs for 3 or 4 players in the summer, so let's have a mid to long term plan to manage that as well. Evanilson will be back in 4 weeks or so, Sinisterra is almost there, so is Adam, And by April I would expect a couple more. Europe is still possible - maybe not champions League, but hey, Europa or conference is a remarkable achievement. It is also interesting to note that Foley is purchasing n interest in a Portuguese club - which opens the door to Brazil (the countries have a work isa agreement I believe) - and that could be a game changer.

[@PaulSandt]

You made a lot of sense sam . My biggest concern is the depth in the squad . Christie will soon serve a 2 match ban and if we get another injury we can kiss goodbye to any thoughts of Europe...

[@johncrozier5486]

Player burnout is a real worry. Can they keep this style of play up? I take it all the team will be monitored for fatigue. Hopefully, we'll start seeing a return of injured players🤞🍒

[@PJ-wm9nq]

Do you reckon burn out is likely? Maybe I've got the rose tinteds on...most of this team are still sprinting around at 90+ minutes.

[@debdaniels5927]

@@PJ-wm9nqwhich could lead to fatigue injuries.

[@paulfaulkner4127]

I think the right decision was made. Did not see anyone I was desperate for us to sign. This may make us stronger now as when injured players return they will be eager to do well and help out the team. Up the Cherries 🍒

[@linseyandstephenclark7530]

Couple of things to note; we bought a striker, one who is valued at 35 million!. Intriguing we signed him then loaned out to Lorient!. We also have 10+ players out on loan!. Some decent attacking players including Anthony, Favre and Billing. Why have so many players unavailable to the manager?.

[@debdaniels5927]

Exactly! I don’t understand why we haven’t recalled a couple to train under Iraola to learn his system to relieve the immediate pressure. 1 more injury before others are back and we really cd be in trouble. What if Lewis is unavailable? We have no RB as it is. Why on earth did we loan Aarons out?

[@RobinHood-us7sg]

Squad costs, your wage bill would be massive without all those being loaned out 👍🏼

[@deegreen3351]

Hopefully have some bodies back soon, so no need to panic buy. Dango,Semenyo, Kluivert all doing well on the goals front

[@tommyp7933]

It’s been a pretty quiet window for everyone except City, Villa and Spurs and of those only city appear to be panicking. We’ve got a good 5 players expected back this month, so I don’t think we need to be too worried about squad depth either

[@oldandgrey495]

Never forget that AFCB are at this position having only collected 12 points from our first 10 games. To then collect another 18 points in the next 10 games and another 13 points in the next 5 games shows just how hard the team have worked to adapt to this style of play, and make a success of it. Arne Slot could see what we were doing and knew he needed to prepare for it, which he did, even if it meant resting most of his players in their previous European game, and not risk any of them getting injured. I just hope that if we do qualify for Europe, we can manage the extra games in our season, and play our home games at Dean Court.

[@charlesripper2978]

Transfers in January always seem ,to me, built around frustration and panic. It was good to see that AFCB didn’t jump to get a striker. Will the current newbies get a chance over the next year, yeah . Will some favourites go,yes. It’s a balance that a club like ours will need to have . I think the PSR has made all clubs rethink and looking at recent events the club have got it right. Just hope I’m around to enjoy the new stadium This season can be a precursor to a European future.

[@PJ-wm9nq]

Well said....in the end people seemed to be spending large sums on players that couldn't get a game with their current teams. Unwanted but worth money!!

[@stephenhunt2841]

It was a very quiet window all around, now with most of the squad wanted by other teams they are waiting till summer to see what happens

[@NickGillings-vf3ye]

I think the players out on loan won’t come back , you cannot be sure of getting anyone in at a decent price during the January window so I think we’re keeping our powder dry until the summer when we will probably lose a couple of players and will bring in identified targets . Is it’s down to eighth place for European places ? We can definitely achieve that …. UTCIAD 🍒⚽️👊

[@Alecmcq]

I think the whole AFCB management team knows how important it is to get the *right* players, not just any players. They are also now in the league of having to pay 30-40m for starters to get the right level of player. They can’t afford many of these, therefore each purchase has to be spot on. Of course everyone wants Europe, but it is not the end of the world if we don’t get there this year. What’s more important is continuing to build the right team culture, style of play, and work ethic. We don’t want this season to be a one-off, we want this level of achievement (and higher) each year. This is not easy to do, and needs patience by all involved, especially the fans.

Personally glad we haven’t gone out desperate to get bodies in. Got to keep in mind FFP and would rather she the club building with a long term view as opposed to shooting our load for Europe. Ps we’ll still get Europe regardless of lack of signings 👍

[@paulm273]

Definitely not an ambition thing judging by what is happening to our club…trust Simon & Tiago to do the right thing and if there aren’t the right players available why invest in new additions that won’t fit Andoni’s system…Yes our injury position is not great but really sounds as if some of the squad are due to return shortly…will be interesting to see Andoni ‘s FA Cup selection this week bearing in mind those available are all regulars…more concerned that we have some currently fit players on a few yellows…

[@deanslife1]

Why did you loan out Billing and other players ? I'm a Wolves fan and we were one of the biggest spenders and I'm surprised you didnt spend as in your position with good scouting you'd get some quality reinforcements

[@amlmorris]

Bournemouths recruitment has been very good in recent times,so i wouldn't be too concerned if i were you,a very well run club nowadays with a fantastic manager in my opinion & having a much smaller revenue than most in the premier league it's probably a difficult balancing act to stay within the farce FFP/PSR regulations that protect the Rich 6 monopoly & if you can't buy the right players that will improve the squad overall at the right price then better too wait for the right opportunity & get what you really need instead of wasting money that will cost you in a negative way down the line.... up the mighty Villa!!! 😁💯👍

[@t.m.nichols420]

I think they had targets but just couldn't get them. And didn't want just a body in that didn't fit the style.

[@jipster2020]

NEWS JUST IN (Well, 2 hours ago), but pretty sure you've heard about it already - The Premier League has confirmed that VAR has fucked up on numerous times this season, but they're only sharing ERRORS (rather than MISSED interventions). Fittingly, 1 of the ERRORS was Dango's goal against NUFC earlier this season. Outtara 'handball' - Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle, 25 August *What: Dango Outtara thought he had scored a late winner for Bournemouth when he jumped to head the ball. The goal was given by on-field referee David Coote. *Decision: VAR Tim Robinson advised Coote to reverse his decision, deeming it to be handball. As he deemed it a factual decision rather than subjective, he did not send Coote to the monitor to review it. *Outcome: With no conclusive evidence as to whether the ball was low enough on Ouattara's arm to deem it a handball, PGMOL chief Howard Webb - speaking on Sky Sports' Match Officials Mic'd Up - said VAR was incorrect to intervene. So, there ya go Tom. VAR did actually rob of us of a win, therefore an extra 2 points, and we should now be on 42. OFC, that will never be reversed, so we'll have to bend over and take it because of incompetence. Another one did go against MUFC, which saw them lose against West Ham because of a penalty, so they should have an extra point for the draw, rather than the loss, and be level with Palace right now on 30 points (but still in the same place because of GD).... But you know what they say, every little helps ;) That was also the game Ten Hag got sacked after because of - so to be fair, that cost him a LOT of easy money.

[@corushii]

Me watching this after the signing of Eli Junior Kroupi from FC Lorient.

[@markgregory3548]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it..

[@GiordanoSciandra]

Sounds like your more privee to how happy andoni is as everytime I watched a press conference he looked down beat and kept saying we need a striker I just hope we can keep andoni just worry one of the big 6 will come calling in the summer I hope I’m wrong up the 🍒

[@ianthomson6554]

January Transfer Shut with a wimper for us (AFCB), despite the huge effort that Sky Sports put into it I have total confidence that the club, who have all the information, are making the correct decisions for our success on and off the field The January Window is notorously hugely inflated and full of player transfers that are made in haste but repented in leisure Ultimately, our current lack of squad depth, could be resolved with the return of injury of Smith, Sini, Scott, Hill and Soler from U20 World Championship I think 8th will be Europe (Conference League) and is very attainable Dango can be a fantastic No 9 and Lewis Cook had been superb at Right Back Faivre at Brest and Hamad Troure will be cashed in during the Summer Fundamentally, it is a "suck it and see" and hopefully we will be all good. It is noticeable that apart from Man City, Villa and Wolves, it was a very quiet Window

[@Allen-bz8xm]

I’d rather not buy anyone than waste money on a player who won’t improve us. If we beat Liverpool would it be gloomy? We still have Senessi, Evanilson, Sinistera, Scott, Smudge,new left back and Araujo to come back. My big concern was Travers going out to get first team football, if we can recall him should Kepa get injured then that’s fine. We have just got to hope Fulham and Villa don’t go on ridiculous runs then we will get in Europe.

[@andymcintyre8183]

Dont forget, Dutch, Turkish and Saudi leagues Transfer Window's are yet to close.

[@richardstevenson2727]

👊👍🍒

[@paulbutler4580]

You lot don't need reenforcement, your flying, fair play, would you be happy with conference league, cause I would... (Villa fan)

[@gregbyrn]

OK…Im more confused about your opinion now than before the video. Would Evan Ferguson have helped? Let’s even take it a step further and ask would Marcus Rashford have helped? At the end of the day, they are not viewed as a good fit for our team. PSR rules do have to be adhered to so some players are not a possibility. Dan Jebbison was recalled but is not starting as a striker. Why is that? I’m guessing he’s just not good enough! We dont see what AI sees on the training pitch. Players have to fit “the Mold” and I am sure that why Phil Bill has now gone. Maybe it is better the devil you know than the ones you dont? Bill said in the Roger Bennett interview that there are players on our radar. If they were NOT available, then let’s move on. I do also feel that more is being done to cover the possible outgoings. We have Marco Sinessi to come back. I think that’s cover for Deano or Zabs to leave. James Hill could also be planned for that roll. Solar is another….maybe Kerkez? My feelings are that we have got to trust the process. Has Bill lied about anything or let us down anywhere?

[@David-bl8td]

Why are you saying about getting the injured players back when your all raving about how well you are doing. You might not have done so well. !!!!!

[@hammers01202]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it