EDDIE Howe knows Cherries will need to pull out all the stops in an attempt to eclipse their historic ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

But the Cherries boss also believes they are in better shape than 12 months ago after a hugely “constructive” pre-season when he felt the team had looked “more fluent”.

Previewing the new campaign in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Howe admitted the exploits of his players during the past five weeks had left him with some tough selection decisions.

And ahead of tomorrow’s curtain-raiser at West Brom, Howe said the fact he was “happier” with their preparations this season than he had been at this stage last year “bodes well”.

Cherries recorded friendly wins over Estoril, Portsmouth, QPR and Yeovil and more than held their own during a 2-2 draw with Italian giants Napoli five days ago. Their only defeat came against Valencia.

Asked whether he had decisions to make ahead of the trip to the Hawthorns, Howe replied: “Yes, and that is exactly what I wanted at the start of pre-season. If the team had picked itself then I would have been disappointed.

“I think there are players who have had really good pre-seasons and players who maybe haven’t had such a good period.

“But when you put everything into the mix, we have a very strong squad of players who all want to play.

“For me, it is not always about the first game, it is about the whole season. Everyone will get an opportunity so I think the squad is in a good position.”

Howe added: “This season will no doubt be the hardest after finishing ninth in the Premier League last season. But we will try to do better than that.

“For me, it is not always about the league position and the points, it is about making sure I feel we are improving as a team.

“I certainly feel we have had a more constructive pre-season than we did last year so I am happier at this stage than I was then so that bodes well.

“How difficult it has been for the players doesn’t really mean that your team is in better shape. But I just feel there has been a higher quality of work delivered by the players.

“I think the team looks more fluent. I have played different 11s every game and the majority have looked like Bournemouth performances. That wasn’t always the case last season so that pleases me.

“I am feeling confident in the team and the squad. We have done a lot of work during pre-season and the lads have worked incredibly hard physically. I have no doubts about their fitness levels and, hopefully, that will show upon kick off.

“I have had pre-seasons that have gone a variety of ways and the results are always unpredictable but, hopefully, we will start well.

“I want to improve all aspects of the team, individuals within the team and how we work. That is what I judge us on.”