Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Howe still keen on Fletch role despite new signings
BOSS Eddie Howe delivered his verdict on Cherries' new-look strike quartet and revealed that Steve Fletcher remained a big part of his plans.[LNB] The veteran frontman last week penned a new one-year contract to confirm his place in Howe's squad alongside attacking trio Brett Pitman, Steve Lovell and Michael Symes.[LNB] Howe opted against re-engaging Alan Connell and Jeff Goulding at the end of last season and bolstered his frontline by recruiting the experienced Lovell and Symes.[LNB] With the new arrivals boasting proven goalscoring records to go with last term's successful pairing of Pitman and Fletcher, Howe is content with the resources at his disposal.[LNB] When asked whether he would be looking to bring in more forwards, he said: No, I don't think so.[LNB] We've got a good four. We've got a mixture of all types in there.[LNB] I think all four offer different things, which is what you want because certain games require certain things.[LNB] We're delighted with the four we've got so, hopefully, they will go on to have good seasons.[LNB] Pitman, the club's top scorer last season, showed exceptional form, often alongside the influential Fletcher, as Cherries secured promotion. Lovell has a good track record north of the border, while Symes netted 19 times for Accrington Stanley last term.[LNB] And with a plentiful supply of frontmen to select from, Howe expects Fletcher to remain an important figure. The Dean Court legend, 38 next month, proved his fitness by appearing in 45 league matches during Cherries' epic campaign.[LNB] After Fletcher confirmed his new deal, Howe told the Echo: He was a big part of our success last season.[LNB] He's still in great shape. He keeps himself in great shape for his age and that comes from motivation within himself that he still wants to play and he still wants to compete at this level.[LNB] He will have a big part to play next season.[LNB] He's a big part of our plans and he will compete for a place with the other strikers we've got.[LNB] I'm really happy with the frontline that we have.[LNB] While Howe is not looking to swoop for more strikers, he may opt to further add to the six summer signings he has secured so far.[LNB] He added: I don't want to go into too much detail about it.[LNB] There's a chance a couple |of things may happen, but |there are also chances they may not.[LNB] We'll have a look at it and always try to make the right decisions in terms of the budget we're working under and, of course, the players that are available to us.[LNB] As well as Lovell and Symes, Howe has recruited Stephen Purches, Marc Pugh, Harry Arter and Mitchell Nelson during the close season.[LNB]
