AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said the club needed to improve its facilities in the long term but urged supporters: “Focus on what we have, not what we don’t have.”

Howe was speaking after Cherries admitted plans to build a new stadium by the summer of 2020 had been “overly optimistic”.

A statement revealed the scheme required a “healthy financial strategy” and that “every penny”, plus additional funding, had been put into securing Cherries’ Premier League position.

Bournemouth Echo:

Questioned in a press conference this morning, Howe said: “It was the right decision for the shareholders and directors. They have given the club so much in financial backing and support in the past few years.

“I know their will is to complete the stadium and build the training ground and take the club forward. They want what every Bournemouth fan wants and what I want.

“But it’s not right for them at this moment in time so I think you have to respect that decision.

“Let’s focus on what we have, not what we don’t have. We have a stadium which works well for us and it’s a really good environment to work in.

Bournemouth Echo:

“Long-term, we all hope we can build the club from the inside. I think we do need to improve facilities but I’m not saying anything which isn’t along the same lines as what the owners think.

“We all want the same thing.”