Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: A mix of the old and the new for boss Howe
EDDIE Howe is hoping the combination of an old head and some young blood will spice up competition for places in his squad.[LNB] The Cherries boss has taken his summer signings to six by drafting in former Dean Court star Steve Purches and relatively untried non-league duo Harry Arter and Mitchell Nelson.[LNB] Versatile Purches, 30, returns to the club following a three-year spell in League One with Leyton Orient and will add a wealth of experience.[LNB] And while Arter and Nelson have been plucked from Woking and Tooting & Mitcham, respectively, the pair of 20-year-olds were both schooled at pro clubs.[LNB] Midfielder Arter, brother-in-law of West Ham's Scott Parker, signed his first pro contract at Charlton in 2007 and made his debut for the Addicks at 17 in the League Cup.[LNB] And defender Nelson, who was being tracked by Reading and Crystal Palace, progressed through the ranks at Colchester.[LNB] Howe told the Daily Echo: Mitchell can play anywhere across the back four. He is quite versatile, very athletic and a good size. He has all the attributes to be a really good player.[LNB] We are aware of what is happening on the non-league scene and think he is an exciting young player. He may take a little bit of time to settle in. It is a big step but one we think he can make and go on to have a successful spell with the club.[LNB] We were aware of Harry when he was at Charlton and watched him a number of times playing for their reserves.[LNB] He has really good ability and can play anywhere across the midfield and also behind a front man. He is a very creative player and technically very good. He spent a year at Woking which I think did him the world of good and toughened him up.[LNB] He is another one we have high hopes for.[LNB] Steve has a lot of League One experience which, in such a young squad, is going to be really important to us. He can play a number of different positions and is a really good pro. He was captain of Leyton Orient last season, which speaks volumes for his character and attitude.[LNB] You need some experience and can't build a squad with solely younger players. Our philosophy is very much to invest in young talent and try to nurture it and bring it through because we think that is the way to go. Among that, you have to have some experience to help guide the young ones and to set an example.[LNB] The older pros at the club, Lee Bradbury and Steve Fletcher, are in the same mould and are great pros. That is why they are still playing. Purchy has a great attitude like them. He is in his prime and has only just touched 30 so has still got some good football in him.[LNB]
