For Bournemouth, ‘never one route to take’ to stay in Premier League, but Swansea offer hope

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admits 'we're more relatable to Swansea in our style of play' and targets long-term mid-table stability like the Welsh club.

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson celebrates a goal during a Championship win over Bolton in April. Charlie Crowhurst / Getty Images / April 27, 2015

Eddie Howe thinks Swansea City offer the best example of how Bournemouth can prosper in the Premier League.

Howe’s club, who just over two years ago were competing in League One, are hoping their remarkable rise continues when they open their debut season in the top flight against Aston Villa on August 8.

Howe has noted Swansea’s success in establishing themselves as a mid-table Premier League team since 2011, but insists Bournemouth must also forge their own path among the elite.

“We have analysed a lot of the clubs that got promoted, what they’ve done and how they’ve gone about their work,” he said.

“There’s never one route to take, never one way that will work or won’t work. We’ve tried to follow our principles more than look at what anyone else is doing.

“But we’re more relatable to Swansea in our style of play and how they attack the Premier League than anyone else.

“We haven’t followed their blueprint, but there are definitely similarities between the clubs, especially with our histories, and hopefully we can emulate what they’ve done.”

Howe bristles when asked to asses his team’s chances of escaping relegation to the Championship with many viewing them as third favourites to go down.

“We’re not focusing on the staying up stuff. It’s about improving the team and making sure we are the best we can be,” Howe said.

“If we’re the best we can be, then we’ll win games. It’s far too early to talk about staying up.

“We’re well aware of what’s in store for us – we’re up against good teams and good players.

“It will be a huge test of everybody’s ability and resilience to compete at this level.”

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