Connell hails bravery of players

Connell heaped praise on his players for their excellent build-up play and clinical execution as they took the lead against QPR with a superbly-constructed team goal.

No fewer than nine players touched the ball in a move lasting 47 seconds from the time captain Max Kinsey first gained possession to Dan Adu-Adjei converting.

It came during the first half of the Cherries’ 2-2 draw against QPR in their Professional Development League top-of-the-table clash at Hanwell Town nine days ago.

The composure and quality levels here 🔥💯

Our Development Squad made it 11 games without a loss last night and another stunning goal to show for it 🙌 pic.twitter.com/E2INA3jt6f

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) November 21, 2023

Connell will be hoping for more of the same when the Cherries put their 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions the line against Watford at Wimborne’s New Cuthbury on Thursday (1pm kick-off).

Discussing the goal against QPR, which has earned Connell’s team high praise since it appeared on social media, Connell told afcb.co.uk: “Firstly, the players have always got to have the bravery to carry things out that you ask of them.

“Stepping up to the category two Professional Development League this season, we have been pleased with the way the players have adapted and we have shown a clear identity in the way we want to play.

“The goal against QPR encapsulated five months of hard work in terms of the way the players have applied themselves physically, tactically, technically and even psychologically and socially.

“It was an incredible feeling watching from the sideline and seeing the ball hit the back of the net, knowing how hard the boys have worked and continue to work every day to dominate the ball and try to hurt teams by playing in a certain fashion.

“While it was a lovely moment and gave us great pleasure watching it back, the challenge now is to continue the work which we have in training and try to kick on to implement the way we want to play in the upcoming games.”

Following the visit of Watford, whose under-21 lead coach is ex-Cherries star Charlie Daniels, Connell’s team face his former club Ipswich Town at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday 5^th December (7pm kick-off).

“Charlie is a fantastic man,” said Connell. “He had a great playing career and has taken his first steps into coaching in the past couple of years so it will be great to see him.

“It looks like he’s doing a great job at Watford. If he wants to go on and be a manager, with his character and personality, I’ve got no doubts he would be as successful as he was as a player.”

And looking ahead to the visit of Ipswich, Connell added: “It’s going to be a great occasion for us and it looks like we are going to have a big crowd.

“The most exciting thing for me is about the players trying to carry on all their good work and doing themselves justice in front of a large crowd on a beautiful pitch in our stadium.

“That will be the challenge against a very talented Ipswich side. It should make for great watch and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the game.”

Entry to New Cuthbury is free.

Click here to buy tickets for the Ipswich Town game at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday 5th December (7pm kick-off).

Main picture courtesy of Ian Randall Photography.