Meet the opposition | AFC Bournemouth
As Swansea City prepare to host Bournemouth on Tuesday night, we take a closer look at the Cherries.
What's their story?
The Cherries are back in the Championship after a five-year absence whilst enjoying a stint at the summit of English football.
Enjoying their greatest period of success under Eddie Howe, the club rose from the bottom tier to the top-flight and finished 16th in their first season in the Premier League and went on to enjoy a best-ever league finish of ninth in the 2016-17 season.
Despite relegation, they have retained a strong squad and know what it takes to get out of the Championship as they target a Premier League return.
How's their form?
Strong. Bournemouth have suffered just two league defeats so far this season.
Three wins on the bounce for the Cherries before a draw against Rotherham saw them sit second in the Championship table, a point behind Norwich City. They lost to Preston, but an emphatic win over Barnsley moved them back up into the automatic places over the weekend.
The 2014-15 Championship winners have three wins, four draws and a sole loss on their travels this season. They have already visited South Wales this season and left with a point against Cardiff.
Who's the boss?
Jason Tindall. Tindall took the manager role at the beginning of the season following Eddie Howe’s departure. After being the former boss’ number two for all 456 games of his games in charge, the Englishman seems to be excelling with the Cherries enjoying a strong start to the season as they look to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.
A popular figure around Bournemouth from his playing days, Tindall made 199 appearances across two spells for the club. His only previous management experience was with Weymouth, where he was player-manager in 2006-07.
Who's the captain?
Steve Cook. Cook was given the captaincy duties at the beginning of this season, taking over the reins from Simon Francis. He has made over 300 appearances for the Cherries since initially signing on loan in October 2011, missing just 21 games out of 190 in the club’s five seasons in the top-flight.
Cook has played in all but one Championship game this term, missing that solitary fixture due to suspension, as well as coming off the bench in the club’s third round League Cup tie with Manchester City.
The 29-year-old has also played for Brighton, with loan spells at Havant and Waterlooville, Eastleigh, Eastbourne Borough and Mansfield Town.
Who are the key men?
With Callum Wilson departing for Newcastle in the summer, Dominic Solanke has led the line, scoring six goals so far this term, while former Swan Sam Surridge has netted in each of his last two appearances.
Arnaut Danjuma has contributed five goals in an impressive start to the season prior to an injury setback, while the Cherries also boast the guile and creativity of classy Wales international David Brooks, while his compatriot Chris Mepham is a key man in their defence.
