AFC Bournemouth: Eddie Howe begins revamping squad

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has started the process of moulding his playing squad for next season following their promotion to the Championship.

Joe Partington is one of a number of players to be offered new deals along with keeper Darryl Flahavan.

Partington, 23, has been offered a two-year-contract, while Flahavan has been given the chance to sign for 12 months.

But striker Charlie Sheringham has left the club, while talks continue with veteran forward Steve Fletcher.

The Cherries earned promotion to the second tier of English football for only the second time in their history and Howe says he is keen to streamline what had been one of the biggest squads in League One.

"I never like to manage too big a squad because I like everyone to feel like they've got a chance of playing," Howe told BBC Radio Solent's Cherries Promotion Special.

"So I would say a maximum squad of 25, that's excluding the development squad."

As well as Partington, who Howe hopes will now play at centre-back, and Flahavan, young Liechtenstein international keeper Benji Buchel is also considering a new one-year deal

In addition, three-month contracts have been offered to youngsters Jordan Chiedozie, Josh Wakefield, Harrison Gilkes, Aristide Bassele and Dan Strugnell.

Fletcher, 40, told BBC Radio Solent last week he hoped to continue playing for the Cherries but if that was not possible would hope to remain at the club in some capacity.

"I'd like to keep playing," Fletcher told BBC Radio Solent.

"I want to stay at the club, I love the club, I've been here 20 years.

"Whether I play one minute or 10 minutes, doesn't matter. My role has changed so much. I have a lot of other roles in the club.

"Hopefully I'm a big influence in the dressing room and I know that's a big part of my game. Whether I play or not does not affect me like it used to because I still have a part to play in and around the club.

"I've only played 11 games [prior to Saturday's fixture against Tranmere] but I've never felt more part of the squad."