Scott Parker says Bournemouth must embrace their Premier League "challenge" and attempt to change the "narrative" after being written off by pundits and critics ahead of the season.
The Cherries have been tipped to struggle to survive by experts, many of whom have placed them bottom of their predicted top-flight tables. However, a recent flurry of transfer activity looks to have breathed new life into their bid to avoid the drop.
Questioned after the victory against Aston Villa on whether he pays heed to the gloomy predictions, Parker insisted he doesn't and called for his players to prove their doubters wrong.
"I take no real notice of that," he said. "I understand why that would be said and that's down to me and down to the players to try and change that narrative.
"Any promoted team that comes into this division, of course the challenge is there, it's very, very difficult, so I understand that.
"It's down to us to try and change that narrative over the course of time and we'll see what happens regarding that."
Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks were the first two players through the door this summer, with both joining on free transfers, before Marcus Tavernier became signing number three after he agreed to a five-year deal.
Yesterday, meanwhile, goalkeeper Neto was recruited from Barcelona, and the veteran will provide stern competition to current first-choice Mark Travers.
DorsetLive and other outlets have also reported that the Cherries are closing in on Feyenoord defender Marcos Senesi. He is thought to have jetted into the UK over the weekend to undergo his medical.
The influx of new arrivals will ensure spirits remain high at the club ahead of their testing run of fixtures, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool up next in their next three matches.
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