EX-Cherries boss and player Tony Pulis believes the team’s identity could stand them in good stead as they look to maintain their Championship challenge.

Pulis, who won promotion with the club in 1987 before going on to manage at Dean Court between 1992 and 1994, said he “would love” to see Cherries in the Premier League.

The reigning Premier League manager of the year – following his heroics with Crystal Palace last season – guided Stoke into the top-flight in 2008.

Pulis, who tried to buy Eddie Howe when he was in charge at Gillingham, also took the Potters to their first FA Cup final and into the Europa League.

Dorset resident Pulis, one of the youngest players to gain the UEFA A coaching licence, was at Dean Court as a summariser for the BBC during Cherries’ League Cup clash with Liverpool.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Pulis, who signed Steve Fletcher during his time as Cherries manager, said: “The great thing about watching Bournemouth is they have an identity.

“They are well coached and well managed and everybody seems to know what they are doing. Eddie made half-a-dozen changes but every player that came in seemed to understand the patterns he wants from his team. He clearly has confidence in his squad, which is always nice as a manager.

“For me personally, there is nothing worse than to come away from a game thinking ‘I don’t know what that team were trying to do’. I also saw the West Brom game and it is brilliant to watch a team with an identity.

“Irrespective of what Liverpool have or haven’t done this season, they are a good team. You only had to a look at how much their team cost compared with Bournemouth’s so you have to put everything into perspective.

“When Bournemouth got their goal, they had a really good 10 minutes and, if the shot that hit the bar had gone in then it would have been game on. Unfortunately, they caught Sterling and Lallana on their game and they are a handful for Premier League defenders.”

Pulis added: “They have made Dean Court a fortress and need to continue that. They could have a bad run at some stage and could fall into a bit of a lull. If that were to happen, Eddie would just need to make sure he stays firm and strong and keeps on top of the players and they keep believing.

“As much as anything, he needs a bit of luck and, hopefully, he can bring in one or two players in the window, even if they are just loan players. By doing that, it would keep the players here on their toes and, hopefully, push them on to a different level again.

“The Premier League is a relentless and unforgiving league and there is a massive difference. I would love to see them go up because it is always nice when something happens in your lifetime that has never happened before.

“Having played and managed here and knowing Eddie and the people around the club, it would be absolutely wonderful if he were to pull it off.”