First day back for Chris Powell's 'over performing' Addicks sees a visit to the seaside of Bournemouth.

The Addicks pre season seemed to stutter a little against bigger opposition, but we suspect this was due to an imbalance in the squad forcing a flatter formation and inevitable goal drought.

Chris Powell seems to have sorted the striker deficit by capturing Bolton reject Sordell for a season long loan, and Church on a free, 2 year deal after his Reading adventure came to a close with no Premiership outings to his name

This should see a familiar first 11 with 2 or 3 exceptions. Perhaps Sordell coming in,  to fill the vacant striker slot, and Evina to fill in for possibly absent Wiggins. The only other question would be over who would partner Jackson in midfield assuming he is fit, Hughes or new signing and last years impressive but senior loanee Gower, we think CP will go with the latter.

The Cherries back in the 2nd tier for the first time since 1990 continue their good fortune under prodigal Manager Eddie Howe, who seems to have some synergal energy with the South coast club.

Having only 7 years ago flirted with non-league status, other signs of a club on the up are a change in the club's badge to reflect their new status; but also this summer saw them host a spectacularly priced preseason friendly against Spanish club Real Madrid, which saw tickets priced £30-60. The bigger price being Real's reported £1 million price tag, but was seen as a once in a life time opportunity for 11 thousand fans who attended.  One has to say without wishing to be critical that sort of flamboyance seems a bit over the top, but I guess that is fairly typical in football.

Howe's squad include former Addicks Arter and right back Francis, with 3 freebies added this summer, the manager will be relying largely on his team's momentum and of course his own talents this year to sustain the club.

Score 1-1, sorry to the traveling Addicks on their seaside jaunt