CHERRIES old boy Mark Newson believes the current crop of Dean Court stars could emulate Harry Redknapp’s class of the late 1980s.

Newson, who captained Redknapp’s Cherries into the second flight in 1987, also starred when the club achieved its highest finishing position – 12th in 1989.

The 53-year-old was among the crowd to see Eddie Howe’s men enjoy the better of a 1-1 draw with Championship high-fliers Ipswich on Sunday.

Newson, one of six players to have captained Cherries to promotion, told the Daily Echo: “I thought it was a fair result, although they probably didn’t deserve to go behind.

“The key, especially in the last 20 minutes, was that Bournemouth got down the flanks, delivered into the box and a goal came from it. I thought they played some very good football.

“Eddie has done a great job. It is tough coming into the Championship because there are some good sides in there and it is one of the hardest leagues around.

“That hasn’t changed. To be where they are, he has done a terrific job.

“They looked solid at the back and the midfield unit looked good.

“Lewis Grabban is a talent and a good goalscorer and maybe he could do with a targetman with him – a 21-year-old Steve Fletcher – but everyone is looking for them.

“I am sure they are going to get some backing from the board, they have so far. I can’t see why Eddie and his team can’t push on.

“I don’t think they need to strengthen in too many areas because I don’t think they are weak. Eddie knows what he’s doing and they will be a threat.”

  • Reports in Wiltshire suggest Swindon Town have renewed their interest in Cherries striker Wes Thomas.

The Swindon Advertiser claim the Robins, who made two failed bids of £125,000 and £150,000 in August, are waiting to hear from Cherries after going back with a fresh offer on Friday.