CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe welcomed the signings of Glenn Murray and Joe Bennett – and expressed his delight at keeping hold of the club’s prize assets.

Striker Murray today completed his £4million move from Crystal Palace, while Aston Villa defender Bennett joined on a standard loan until January.

Their arrivals took to 10 the number of players drafted in by Howe during the summer transfer window for the club’s first season in the Premier League.

And although Cherries are understood to have missed out on further targets, their squad was not weakened by the sale of any of their coveted stars.

Howe, giving his first post-deadline interview exclusively to the Daily Echo, said: “We are happy with our business. We have added a striker of the type that we were looking for and are delighted to bring in Glenn. We are also delighted to bring in a player of the quality and pedigree of Joe Bennett.

“We are very pleased we have kept the squad intact and were able to continue to look to improve it rather than weaken it. That is something which is often underestimated.

“One of the key things for Bournemouth managers and teams down the years has been losing a good player every season. Thankfully, for the past few seasons, we have been able to keep our best players and continually move the squad forward how we want to without losing our best players because that can make it incredibly difficult.”

Howe added: “It has been a long window and we have done quite a bit of business. It has been a busy time for everyone concerned off the pitch.

“We have had a few knocks in the market as well and it has been a difficult window to recruit in. It is difficult for us as a new Premier League team to sometimes close deals and get everything as you want it.

“But as the squad stands now, it is very competitive and well-balanced. I look forward to seeing the players compete for places.

“I don’t think we expected it to be easy to recruit good players and I think it gets harder as you go higher up the divisions to identify and find players that make your squad better. As strange as that might sound, I think it does get harder.

“I think it has been a good experience for everyone connected with the club. We are pleased it is shut now and can concentrate on getting the best out of the players we have.”