EDDIE Howe insisted Cherries were “very well-coached tactically” and had players that have “proven themselves in the Premier League before”.

The legendary Cherries boss, who piloted the Dorset club from the depths of League Two to the Premier League across two separate spells, was asked about the competitiveness of Gary O’Neil’s side following their 1-1 draw with his Newcastle squad.

Previous comments from former Cherries boss Scott Parker, before his sacking last month, implied the Dorset club were “weaker” than they were at the end of last season, and not competitive for the top flight.

Asked about the work done by the likes of interim boss O’Neil, as well as coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, to make Cherries competitive, Howe said: “They’ve got some very good players.

“They’ve got players that have played in the Premier League for not just a short period of time, they’ve proven themselves in the Premier League before.

“So, yes it’s not the same squad, but certainly the core of the group is there and I think they’ve proved today (Saturday) they’re stubborn. Very well-organised, very well-coached tactically.

“They didn’t leave any spaces for us. We have to give them a lot of credit.

“Of course, I’m in this (Newcastle) camp, and I’m looking at us going we need to do a lot better to break that down.”