Manager Alan Connell is urging his AFC Bournemouth development squad players to use first-teamer Jaidon Anthony as a role model.
Anthony has made 90 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries – including 31 in the Premier League – having progressed through the club’s academy ranks.
He earned a two-year scholarship after impressing during a trial in 2016, the frontman having spent ten years on the books at Arsenal.
Connell’s team will tomorrow make history when they face Coventry City in the Dorset club’s first Professional Development League fixture.
The clash at the Coventry Building Society Arena also be the development squad’s first competitive game with category two academy status (2pm kick-off).
Previewing the game, Connell told afcb.co.uk: “Everybody is really excited and to be involved in this historic first fixture is a real privilege for the players and every member of staff who will represent the club.
“We have put in a lot of hard work in over the past seven weeks and we want to start the season in a really positive fashion.
“We know the league is going to be competitive and very difficult and, ultimately, our levels are going to have to rise.
“I think we overachieved for a number of years but the expectation now we are category two is going to increase and players and staff are going to have to deliver.
“As a club, we are getting bigger and bigger and our recruitment is worldwide now. If our players are going to have a chance to break into our first team, they will need to be of a high level.
“Jaidon Anthony is a prime example of what can be achieved. He has worked his way through and is now playing in the Premier League.
“He has proved that if you are good enough then the opportunity will be there. As an individual, he took his chance and is someone our players can aspire to follow.”
Discussing the prospect of his players showcasing their talents at the Coventry Building Society Arena, which has a seating capacity of more than 32,000, Connell added: “Part of development football is giving players a taste of what they are hoping to achieve but also about trying to keep them grounded.
“In recent years, we have played at some excellent training grounds, especially when we have travelled to category one academies in friendlies. But we have also played on some challenging surfaces so the players have had a varied and grounded development.
“These players are now professional footballers and have earned the right to play on stages like this and I’m really excited to see them perform.
“Lots of challenges lie ahead in this league and now our academy status has improved but everyone is really excited with what the future holds.”
Gates at the Coventry Building Society Arena open at 1pm and admission is free. Supporters are asked to use turnstiles 44-45. Parking at the stadium costs £5 and can only be paid by card.
AFC Bournemouth: (from) Plain, Allan, Tonks, Greenwood, Boutin, Harris, Okoh, Wadham, Bevan, Winterburn, Kinsey-Wellings, Williams, Sadi, Johnson, Landa, Adu-Adjei, Dacosta Gonzalez, Tydeman.
