LUTHER Blissett – who starred for Cherries and Watford – believes automatic promotion will put both clubs in a stronger position to hold their own in the Premier League.

Blissett, signed by Harry Redknapp from Watford in 1988, topped the goal charts during three successive seasons with Cherries before rejoining the Hornets in August 1991.

Watford’s club record goalscorer and a popular figure during his time at Dean Court, Blissett hailed Cherries’ promotion to the top flight as a “phenomenal achievement”.

Blissett, who hit 56 goals in 121 league appearances for Cherries, told the Daily Echo: “It is always special when you see a smaller club, which predominately Bournemouth has been, reach the top division. They have almost risen from the ashes over the past five or six years and it is absolutely fantastic to see them go up.

“I know everybody connected with the club will be looking forward to it and so am I. It holds a special place in my heart because I had three fantastic seasons there. I was really proud and it was a moving moment to see them as good as clinch it on Monday.

“The two best teams have gone up. The most entertaining team all season has been Bournemouth because they have played some of the best football but Watford haven’t been too far behind. They have managed to accumulate the points through some difficult times. The position you end up in is your rightful place.

“When I went up with Watford it was through the play-offs. When that happens, you end up trying to pick up players late and don’t have as much time to get things in a position to give yourselves the best chance to survive.

“This time, they will have more time to get things organised and to get the players they want. It will be the same for Bournemouth and I think that puts you in a much stronger position.

“Both clubs probably need to bring in three, four, or maybe five players to strengthen in various areas because you need extra numbers due to injuries and suspensions.

“You also need the fixtures to be good to you, especially early on. You don’t want a start or a period where you play every one of the top five or six clubs back-to-back. That could put you in a very difficult situation.

“You want the fixtures to be good and you want time to get the majority of the players you really want so everything is more settled and you are in a better position when the season starts.”

Blissett, who helps out on the hospitality side at Vicarage Road and also still has close ties locally, believes Watford are likely to edge the title.

He added: “Watford are at home to Sheffield Wednesday and Bournemouth are away to Charlton. They haven’t won at The Valley for a while and Sheffield Wednesday beat Watford 3-0 in a shocking game at the end of last season.

“This time, there is so much riding on the games for both clubs and I would expect the outcomes to be different. It is in Watford’s hands and I would expect them to finish at the top because I believe both teams will win.”