“It’s where we dreamed of being” – Connell on first Premier League 2 game

AFC Bournemouth development squad are looking forward to a historic week, as they prepare for their first PL2 fixture.

Alan Connell’s side take on Chelsea at Wimborne Town’s Wyatt Homes Stadium, with entry free to all supporters.

To preview the fixture, Connell spoke to afcb.co.uk: “We’ve had a great pre-season, but that’s all behind us and we are looking forward to competitive league action.

“There can be no bigger test than playing Chelsea in our first game. We’re excited by the challenge.

“The energy has been really good all pre-season. We’ve had some older lads that have now moved on and then two or three that are back with us having been away with the first team.

“They’ve added presence, added energy and as a result the intensity of training has gone up so that’s really pleased me.”

“We’ve had a real diverse mix of ages across the academy. In pre-season we’ve had fifteen and sixteen-year-olds playing for us. It’s a big mix but one that will benefit everyone involved.

“We want to give young players the opportunities, and this is the best environment for them to learn in.”

Not too long ago, AFC Bournemouth’s academy were playing games in Category Three, and playing at Canford Park. Commenting on how far the club has come, Connell continued:

“Where we are at right now is where we dreamed to be just a few years ago. We are now a PL2 club, and it is a huge honour.

I want the boys to enjoy themselves and do themselves justice, and it’s important we enjoy moments like this because they don’t come around often.

“Chelsea are a huge club, it should be a high-level game, and we hope our supporters will come along in their numbers to support us.

“I know the players will go out there and put in a proper AFC Bournemouth performance.”