Cherries boss Connell relishing return to Ipswich for first time in 22 years

The striker, who was with the Tractor Boys in the academy setup from 2000 to 2002, has never been back to the place where he served his two-year apprenticeship.

Now, he is set to step into the dugout as manager, when his AFC Bournemouth development squad take on the Suffolk club’s under-21s (1pm kick-off).

Speaking to afcb.co.uk ahead of the Professional Development League contest, Connell said: “I am really looking forward to going to Portman Road and the players experiencing playing at a beautiful stadium with such history.

“Personally, I was a youth team player there from 2000 to 2002 and feel very fortunate that I served my apprenticeship there.

“I learned so much and there are many traits that I took from on and off the pitch to my playing career – and now my management career.

“Pre-match, I am sure I will just have a moment thinking about some of the memories that I had there and also just being grateful for the opportunity the club gave me many years ago.

“My playing and coaching career hadn’t taken me back there until now. I am really looking forward to it.

“Most importantly, I want my players to go there, enjoy it and perform on the day.”

Connell went on to sign for the Cherries from Ipswich in July 2002, winning two promotions with the Dorset club. He also featured in the club’s Greatest Escape during the 2008/09 campaign.

He still recognises a familiar face at Ipswich, however.

“Bryan Klug (head of coaching and player development with Ipswich’s academy) was one of my coaches, who is still at the club now,” said Connell.

“When we played at our stadium back in December, it was really nice to see him again.

“We had a very good youth team with players like Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose, who went on to have Premier League careers.

“I just took everything I could from every day when I was there and it really set me up for my playing career.”

However, Connell’s full focus will be on delivering two strong performances from his side, in stadium games at Ipswich and Burnley this week.

He said: “It’s great that we are going here and playing at these stadiums but I want the players to use it as motivation, to think ‘I want to play here one day when it’s full, when it’s a first-team game’.

“That’s been the message we’ve used before and a message I will use again. They should use the experiences to fuel their ambitions to play here in first-team games.

“I believe we’ve got players here that have got the capabilities to do that one day.”