BOSS Eddie Howe wants Cherries supporters to approach the new season with both “optimism and realism”.

Howe admits the club’s protracted takeover saga understandably had a “detrimental effect” on the playing staff during the close season.

His squad has faced several delays in receiving their wages, while the upheaval has also hindered Howe’s preparation for the new campaign.

But with the club’s ownership resolved following Friday’s takeover by the Murry Group, Howe says he can now start to plan ahead as Cherries embark on a second season in League Two.

Howe took the reins with Cherries’ Football League status in the balance at the turn of the year and masterminded a memorable escape from relegation.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Howe said: “We don’t want to be shouting from the rooftops saying we’re going to do this, that and the other.

“There is a long way to go before the start of the season and a lot of hard work needs to be done.

“As a squad, we will be focused and prepared for the new season. We will also be fiercely determined to do as well as we can.

“This club has spent long periods battling against the odds and that has certainly been the case so far during the close season.

“But the club is still in existence and, at some stages, that seemed to be in the balance. There is real optimism in the camp but we also have to be realistic.

“People just have to be sensible with what they expect because this is a tough league and it’s going to be another hard season.”

Howe added: “I don’t want to make excuses but people have to take a lot of things into account. A lot of what has gone on over the past few months has taken its toll on the players. It has been a demoralising spell for the boys.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do to catch up with all the other teams in the division but we will be ready for the start of the new season.”