EDDIE Howe will a lead his newly promoted Bournemouth side out at the Ray Mac in the pick of the Whites pre-season schedule.

The Cherries boss, who hails from Verwood, was crowned as the Manager of the Year at the League Managers' Association dinner on Tuesday night after securing Premier League status last month.

It will be the headline pre-season friendly with Howe promising to bring a strong side.

League Two Bristol Rovers and Conference club Eastleigh are also lined-up for the July set of friendlies.

"This is a real coup. It's fantastic for us," said Claridge. "I am assured it will be a strong team and we are extremely grateful to Eddie and AFC Bournemouth.

"Eddie has done a magnificent job in winning the Championship with Bournemouth, reflected in him being awarded such a prestigious honour as Manager of the Year by his peers, and I couldn't be happier to have arranged for one of my former clubs to play us in pre-season."

In addition, Whites have arranged one new away game, making the short trip to Laverstock and Ford on Tuesday July 14th.

Steve is currently working on completing the pre-season line-up ahead of the season's kick-off in the Wessex League Premier Division on August 8th, with at least three more games to be announced soon.

Dates so far:

Saturday, July 11th: Bristol Rovers (h)

Tuesday, July 14th: Laverstock and Ford (a)

Tuesday, July 21st: AFC Bournemouth (h)

Tuesday, July 28th: Eastleigh (h).

Kick-off times TBC.