Bournemouth might have been forgiven for taking some time to settle into winning ways in the English Championship this season, after their playoff semi-final heartbreak the last term.
However, with new manager Scott Parker at the helm, the Cherries have made a bright start to the campaign and look like they will take some stopping to be denied a return to the Premier League this season.
Cherries Put Playoff Disappointment Behind Them
A playoff semi-final defeat to Brentford last season was a tough result to take for all concerned at the Vitality Stadium, especially with Bournemouth 2-0 up on aggregate at one stage in the second leg on home soil. The Cherries, who are 4.5 to win the title this season in the English Championship betting odds, have put that disappointment behind them and are enjoying a positive start to the new campaign. The Championship predictions suggest Scott Parker’s side should be in the mix for the title this term, while anything other than promotion will be seen as a failure. Judging by the start of the season they have enjoyed, it would be a surprise not to see Bournemouth competing for the top spot come to the business end of the campaign.
Undefeated after their first nine games of the league season, Parker has been able to transfer what made him a success at his previous club, Fulham, to Bournemouth. Despite another season in the second tier of English football, the club were able to keep hold of many of their key assets in the squad. Striker Dominic Solanke has enjoyed a strong start to the season, as he bagged his sixth goal of the campaign in a 2-1 victory over Luton Town. The former Chelsea and Liverpool forward will be determined to get back playing in the Premier League, and if he continues his impressive form, he can go a long way in helping the Cherries make a return.
Parker Determined to Keep up Winning Momentum
Once again, Parker has shown he is more than capable of managing in the Championship, but his main aim will of course be to shine back in the top flight. Speaking after the home victory over Luton, Scott Parker spoke about how “winning is a habit and at this moment we’re doing good on that.” It has certainly been a positive transition for the English coach following his move from Fulham to the Vitality Stadium. Parker knows the competitive nature of the Championship, and that any team can beat another on their day, so he won’t be getting ahead of himself.
Despite being top of the table after the first nine games of the season, Parker will be eager to keep his troops grounded. The busy festive period has a big impact on all teams in the Championship, and if Bournemouth can come through that still near the top of the table, they will have taken a big step in their goal to return to the Premier League.