Bournemouth have hit the Jack-Pot

Eddie Howe is quickly becoming one of the most complete football managers around. Not only has he shrewdly masterminded AFC Bournemouth’s rise from League One to the top-flight, he has also mastered the art of dealing with the press.

Keeping them at arm’s length with just enough information to keep keyboards tapping and pens scribbling in notepads is a fine art, whilst not actually revealing his true intentions; a game of bluff so to speak sums Howe’s dealings with the press perfectly.

If Howe was of a prickly disposition, journalists may find his stance frustrating, but due to his calm exterior and almost eloquent way he speaks and conducts himself, they obviously cut him the necessary slack.

Howe’s Cherries currently occupy 14th spot in the Premier League after their victory over West Brom at the weekend – Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.

What is worth bearing in mind however is that Howe has previous for playing with a straight bat. Bournemouth are linked with X, Y and Z player, the manager plays down any link or intention to sign X, Y or Z and then three days later, there is X, Y or Z holding his shirt aloft on the Dean Court pitch whilst the ink dries on his contract.

It’s become the norm now to expect the unexpected at Bournemouth. The Cherries manager’s pre-match press conference before his side’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace was classic Howe and looking back at it now, his wording contained lots of clues as to the dramatic final day of the transfer window which saw Bournemouth sign one of English football’s brightest talents.

“We’re not imminently preparing to announce a signing,” said Howe.

“But we’re looking for one; it wouldn’t necessarily be a high profile signing anyway, just someone to help out the squad.”

And he was right, in some respects. It was a full eight days until Bournemouth did announce their prized catch, but he epitomises high profile and will do more than just help Howe’s squad. He, in case you’ve somehow been doing other things recently, is Jack Wilshere.

The chances of Bournemouth signing a current England International maybe even 18 months ago would have seen to be the stuff made up on one of those irritating Football Manager games, but such is the paths that both the Cherries and Wilshere have trodden recently, it seems like a good deal for all parties concerned.

Wilshere is an extremely talented footballer, make no mistake. But talent doesn’t equate success and whilst his career hasn’t hit the high spots it should of due to injuries, at 24, he still has time to fulfil the potential that had then FC Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola saying that he would get in Barca’s all conquering side of a few years back.

That’s some statement and after Wilshere made Andres Iniesta and Xavi chase shadows in a Champions League match, it was 100 per cent correct too.

With this in mind and regardless of any injury concerns, Bournemouth have hit the Jack-pot, pardon the rather obvious pun.

Wilshere has struggled with injuries granted, but perhaps the injury prone tag is a little unfair as most of his ailments have been of a serious nature and not just the odd tweak and pull. He does seem fully fit now, although not match fit, and obviously with this in mind, Arsene Wenger couldn’t guarantee a starting berth in Arsenal’s midfield.

I’m not sure at the moment if he’s the first name on manager Howe’s teamsheet either, but once the match fitness returns, it will only be a matter of time. Remember, Bournemouth broke all sorts of records for distance covered during games last year and with this replicated in training, Wilshere will be up to speed very quickly.

So why Bournemouth, as the move was almost ridiculed when announced, with Wilshere turning down both AC Milan and AS Roma?

England international and Bournemouth loanee, Wilshere – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

In regard to those aforementioned clubs, the Italian League, although less physical and demanding, is of such a poor standard nowadays, it would have been no benefit to Wilshere. Stroll around in Serie A for nine months and everything will be hunky-dory again?

Except it wouldn’t as to succeed and re-establish yourself as an England player, you must do this period of rehabilitation in the Premier League, even better at a club that replicates a style of football similar to Arsenal. All roads led to Dean Court.

Although Crystal Palace were a rumoured destination for Wilshere, it was never going to happen as Wenger and Alan Pardew aren’t exactly the type to exchange Christmas cards and with Howe seen by many as a successor to Wenger one day, the more you actually thought about it, the more Wilshere signing for Bournemouth seems perfect for all.

His league debut against West Brom, albeit a 30-minute cameo gave a demonstration of what the move will mean for player and club as Wilshere looked so comfortable on the ball. The sign of a good player is a midfielder that can find space, look at ease with the ball at his feet and use possession effectively too. This was demonstrated in spades at Dean Court on Saturday and the pleasing thing is that Wilshere will only get better.

Top players love the big stage and with Bournemouth’s next match away at Manchester City, it would seem logical to start Wilshere in a five-man midfield as Bournemouth look to repel City’s 100 per cent start.

It will be another chance to come up against his old admirer and although an away win seems unlikely, if Bournemouth did pick up any kind of result, Wilshere is sure to play a key role which could prompt another glowing compliment from Guardiola.

If that did happen, then Wilshere’s road to redemption as one of England’s brightest midfielders of his generation would be thankfully gaining momentum in the most unlikely of places.