SCOTT Parker admitted he needed to find the right balance between making too many changes to his promoted Cherries squad and upgrading in certain areas.

The Dorset club have already been linked with an array of personnel this season, as they look to put plans in motion for their return to the Premier League.

Cherries have already confirmed Gary Cahill is set to depart following the expiration of his contract this summer, while the likes of loan players Todd Cantwell, Leif Davis, Ethan Laird, Freddie Woodman and Nat Phillips have returned to their parent clubs.

And while Parker stressed the current squad would “need help” with some fresh additions to compete at England’s elite level, the boss was keen to give those who helped earn promotion an opportunity.

"There needs to be a balance there," said Parker, when asked about player recruitment alongside his current squad.

"These boys deserve an opportunity. They deserve their chance. And they deserve that from me as well. They've been incredible.

“Like I said, this year, they've done an amazing job. And while we're going to need help, and we're going to need to strengthen for sure to be competitive in the Premier League.”

The likes of youngsters Jaidon Anthony and Jordan Zemura have never played in the Premier League but were integral in Cherries’ rise to the top flight.

Midfielder Emiliano Marcondes has sealed back-to-back promotions with Brentford and Cherries but is yet to feature in the Premier League.

"I hope they've got that fire,” said Parker, of his current squad as a whole.

“They need to have that fire in their belly to go on and make it to the next level.

“Some of them have played in the Premier League, but there are some that haven't. And they want to try and get there. So, it's a good opportunity for them."

Cherries will find out their Premier League fixtures on Thursday, June 16.