BOSS Eddie Howe believes the evolution of his Cherries squad to be a necessary evil ahead of their Premier League bow. 

Eight of last season’s Championship title-winning heroes were regulars in the club’s promotion from League One in 2013 but Howe has already added six new faces this summer with the prospect of more to follow. 

Discussing the pitfalls of replacing established stars, Howe said: “It is never an easy cycle. 

“Change is always difficult and in an ideal world, you would carry on through with the players that have done so well for you but in reality, you know it is healthy to change the dynamic of the squad.

“It is important for the players to come back, see different faces and have to prove themselves all over again. 

“I have been pleased with how the squad has taken shape and how the new players have adjusted to our way of working. The old players have made the new guys feel very welcome and that is one of the hallmarks of this squad as well.”

Howe reiterated a desire to add to his group and went on to admit certain areas needed “beefing up”.

“We are aware of what we want,” he added. “We are trying to get the right players at the right price and that is the never-ending battle. We are working hard behind the scenes.

“In terms of numbers, I wouldn’t want to put a figure on it, we are just trying to get the balance of the squad right. I think we are short in a couple of areas and that is what we are looking to put right."

Meanwhile, shoulder-injury victim Artur Boruc has returned to training and midfield ace Harry Arter continues to step up his recovery from problems sustained with the Republic of Ireland.

“We are hopeful Harry will not be out for too long. We have had some positive news on his recovery in recent days so if he is not back for the first game, we are hopeful it will be the one after.

“Artur has trained for the past two days so we are hopeful his injury is not a serious one. He is such an important player for us and we need to keep him fit but he has trained well.

“As with any player, at the moment he is fit and long may that be the case.”

Cherries head to Yeovil for their fourth pre-season friendly tonight (7.45pm).

Howe is likely to give game time to the first-team squad members that did not feature in Saturday’s 0-0 draw in Nantes, which saw all bar one of the senior stars that travelled play more than 85 minutes.