Howe Looking To Experience

Last updated : 17 May 2010 By Bournemouth Co-Ordinator

Manager Eddie Howe will be looking to the likes of Shaun Cooper and Steve Fletcher as the Cherries take their place in League One next season.

On Cooper, Howe is quoted as saying: "Shaun got himself fit and got back into the team at the tail-end of the season. It was a long and slow process for him to get back after his operation. But he worked hard and diligently at his rehabilitation and his efforts paid off. He didn’t look like he had been away when he played against Accrington in his comeback game. He was excellent towards the end of the season and performed consistently well".

On Fletcher, Howe is quoted as saying: "People try to write him off every season and he just keeps proving them wrong. It wouldn’t surprise me if he did the same again next season. “He surprised me with the number of games he played last season, both starting and finishing. He only missed one league game and played a lot of 90 minutes. For someone of his age to do that, and to the level he did, was remarkable. His age is irrelevant because of the way he looks after himself. He is probably more mobile now than he was three or four years ago. It is down to the work he does in the gym and his professionalism off the pitch".