Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Howe delighted to bring in 'quality' trio
Cherries boss Eddie Howe has admitted his delight at the capture of three quality signings.[LNB] Howe has bolstered his resources by drafting in strikers Steve Lovell and Michael Symes, together with midfielder Marc Pugh.[LNB] The signings all revealed exclusively on the Daily Echo website yesterday are the first permanent additions made by Howe for 17 months.[LNB] Lovell, who started his professional career at Dean Court, has rejoined Cherries on an initial 12-month deal. The 29-year-old, who is Howe's brother, had been a free agent.[LNB] Symes, who had a loan spell with Cherries in 2008 and was also being chased by Rochdale, has penned a two-year deal after opting to leave Accrington Stanley.[LNB] And Pugh, who was also being tracked by Leeds, has signed a three-year contract, although Cherries may have to pay compensation to Hereford after the two clubs were unable to agree a fee.[LNB] Pugh, 23, played a starring role against Howe's men when he scored twice in Hereford's 2-1 win over Cherries in September before also netting a consolation in their 2-1 defeat at Dean Court in April.[LNB] Howe told the Daily Echo: Marc is someone we have liked for a long time and I thought he impressed in both games against us last season. We had him watched many times during the course of the season and he always did well.[LNB] He is a wide midfield player and can play on either side. He scored 13 goals from midfield and that is an impressive record. We are hopeful he can continue that good form with us.[LNB] I think there was always going to be interest in him because of how well he did last season. He was eye-catching in a good number of his displays.[LNB] Lovell enjoyed a fruitful career in Scotland with Dundee and Aberdeen and has been a target for Howe ever since he took over as Cherries manager.[LNB] He is quick, direct and plays on the shoulders of defenders, said Howe. He is strong and holds the ball up well. He will complement what we have already got in the centre-forward department.[LNB] He scored a lot of goals in the Scottish Premier League when it was a very strong league. A good number of his goals came against Celtic and Rangers, the top teams. His CV and career are very impressive and, hopefully, he will continue that and do well for us.[LNB] He is recovering from ankle surgery at the moment and may not be ready for the start of the season but should be back very soon after.[LNB] Symes, 26, who made five appearances for Cherries during a loan spell from Shrewsbury, finished last season as Accrington's leading goalscorer.[LNB] He is also someone we have kept an eye on since he came here on loan under Jimmy Quinn, said Howe. He was very impressive for Accrington against us last season and has been excellent every time we have watched him.[LNB] He is a good size and very mobile. His movement is good and he is very good technically. He will be a threat both aerially and on the floor.[LNB] I think we have got a really good mix of centre-forwards and a very strong looking frontline. I am delighted with the quality of player we have been able to bring in.[LNB] They all have a good attitude, are a good age and are hungry |to succeed, so I hope they will prove to be three really good signings.[LNB]
