Exposure to competitive games vital for Young Cherries

Exposure to competitive games is the most important thing for Bournemouth Development Squad says Head of Development Bruce Suraci.

Bournemouth bowed out of the Premier League Cup at the group stage last month but the focus is on the progression of their youth ranks.

Speaking earlier this year about the Premier League Cup, Suraci said: “ We have a good chance to progress but the main point for me is to give these boys exposure to competitive games where points matter.”

Suraci took interim control of the Development Side in August, after Scott Parker’s first team sacking initiated a rejig of the coaching staff.

But he has since moved back to his original role as head of development after Alan Connell was appointed youth team manager.

Suraci was quick to praise his young talent during his time in the role, recognising their potential as a team.

“There’s a lot of quality in the group, we’ve got some real good technicians like Ben (Greenwood), tactically we’ve got some great players and also physically with the likes of Noah (Boutin) and Josh (Popoola).”

The Cherries are clearly looking to the future, announcing a contract extension for young midfielder Dominic Sadi just this week.

Sadi made his debut for the first team earlier this year and will be looking to continue his good form in the development squad.

Bournemouth will hope to bleed some of this exciting youth talent into the first-team squad in the near future, as the club looks to build under their new owners.