MANAGER Eddie Howe ran his eye over the new fixture list and then admitted Cherries’ promotion to the Premier League had “finally hit home”.

Supporters had been eagerly awaiting the schedule for Cherries’ debut campaign in the top flight ever since Howe’s team clinched the Championship title on the final day of last season.

And the new fixture list was published yesterday with Cherries set to open with a home game against Aston Villa at Dean Court on Saturday, August 8.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I can understand why there has been so much excitement among our supporters. Everybody connected with the club has waited a long time to see us in the top division and the publication of the fixtures really brings it home that we are there.

“This was a day everybody had been waiting for and, in some senses, I think the achievement of winning promotion to the Premier League has probably finally hit home. I am proud to see the name of AFC Bournemouth on the fixture list and we are looking forward to the start of the season.”

Cherries will face five clubs in the league for the first time in their history – Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton – and their supporters will get to visit some of the most famous venues in the world.

Their first away game will see them travel to Liverpool on Saturday, August 15, while Cherries’ derbies against Southampton will take place on Saturday, October 31 at St Mary’s and on Tuesday, March 1 at Dean Court.

The Dorset club’s festive programme will see them face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, December 28, the clash sandwiched between the Boxing Day visit of Crystal Palace to Dean Court and a trip to Leicester on Saturday, January 2.

Cherries will travel to champions Chelsea on Saturday, December 5, while the fixture computer has given Howe’s team an incredibly tough run-in when they will meet four of last season’s top six in their final seven games, including a trip to Manchester United on the final day.

Howe added: “Whether you are a player or a coach, you should always want to test yourself against the best and we will certainly get the opportunity to do that next season.

“We’ve got a tough start, a tough middle and a tough end – that is how difficult the Premier League is going to be but it is where everyone wants to be.

“We had to work hard for every single point in League Two, League One and the Championship and are going to have to work even harder for points in the Premier League.

“I am under no illusions about how difficult it is going to be. But we will enjoy it and try to relish every moment of the experience we are going to face.”

Asked whether any specific fixture had caught his eye, Howe replied: “it's tough to pick out one particular game. There are so many great grounds and it will be a tremendous experience for everyone involved with the club.”

Dates of fixtures will be subject to change due to television requirements.