OLD pal Russell Slade reckons “shrewd operator” Eddie Howe can oversee a struggle-free season at Cherries – thanks to the firepower at his disposal.

The Cardiff boss, who backed Cherries to seal promotion last season, is adamant the Premier League newcomers “will be fine” despite entering uncharted territory among English football’s elite.

Slade has even studied Cherries’ early-season fixtures and believes the backing of a boisterous Vitality Stadium crowd will be crucial to their hopes. 

But Slade, himself hoping to emulate the Dorset club’s path to the top flight, says the most telling contribution is likely to come from the Football League’s best attack from last season. 

Slade told the Daily Echo: “I have had a look at the fixtures and I think the first month will be very important to Eddie. 

“Getting off to a good start will be high on his agenda, getting a few points on the board, particularly at home, to give them the confidence. 

“But they do have a certain momentum from winning it in such great style. There is a confidence around the place, you can feel that and that will take them a long way, especially early on.

“I think they (the Premier League’s big clubs) might find it different. It might not be the biggest stadium but they will make some noise, there will be a good atmosphere and I think it will be a test for any team that comes here.

“Bournemouth are a very good side going forward. They were the best team in the league last season and will always cause problems. Occasionally, they leave themselves a little bit vulnerable by pressing forward but I think they will score goals against anybody.

“You do have to keep the back door shut in the Premier League. You will get punished if you’re not mindful as you go forward but Eddie knows that and will strike the right balance.

“He is a shrewd operator and I think they will be fine, that is my honest opinion.”

Across two spells with Cherries, Howe has taken the club from the foot of League Two to the Promised Land with a brand of football that has caught the eye, particularly over the past year.

After being bestowed with a raft of accolades, the 37-year-old manager has been tentatively touted as a future England boss with Slade confident this next campaign could shape his long-term destiny.

“The next step for Eddie could be anything if he establishes the club he loves in the Premier League,” he added.

“There are some very good, young English managers that get overlooked for maybe a sexy, foreign name at times. Eddie knows the leagues over here and I can only see him progressing as a manager.

“I am absolutely delighted for him. I couldn’t be happier because forgetting the football for a moment, he is a great bloke."

  • The number of priority points required to buy tickets for Liverpool away will be reduced from 9am today.

Supporters with three or more points can purchase online or by phoning 0344 576 1910. There will be no in-person ticket sales for the trip to Anfield on Monday, August 17.

Tickets go off sale on Wednesday.