MANAGER Eddie Howe said it would have been “dangerous” for Cherries to have a host of players out of contract in the summer.

Clubs up and down the country traditionally announce a retained list at the end of the season but Cherries will not be among them.

Every member of Howe’s first-team squad has at least a year to run on their existing deal, meaning the club is not vulnerable to losing players for nothing.

Most will be entitled to bonuses for staying in the Premier League, while some could even be in line for improved terms.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “We want to keep the nucleus of the squad together because I am very happy with it.

“Early planning in terms of contracts is important as is making sure nobody is running down their contract.

“I think it would be dangerous for a club like ours to allow that to happen.

“If we can recruit some good players in the summer, I think we will be in good shape.”