Wimborne Town have announced a partnership which will see AFC Bournemouth’s Academy play their home matches at the New Cuthbury.
The Cherries Academy have already played two matches at the New Cuthbury this season, which was seen as an extended trial, leading to this two-year partnership being signed.
Finance director and co-owner Lee Merrifield says this was an exciting deal for the Magpies.
Merrifield said on the Magpies website: “It will provide an opportunity for our own academy players to learn from a professional set up, as well as cementing our growing relationship with the club in terms of providing opportunities to up and coming AFCB players as part of our first team squad.”
Lee Merrifield was also full of praise for general manager Jimmy Glass for his role in the deal.
“Most importantly Jimmy is good at his job. It’s very well having a ‘name’, but they need to be good at their job too, which he is. Having him on board has helped us secure a link with AFC Bournemouth.”
Glass joined the Magpies in July as general manager and has been looking to improve and build the club both on the pitch and commercially.
Glass said: “We’ve signed up with AFC Bournemouth to play their development games at the New Cuthbury for two years.
“On one hand its some good revenue for us and on the other hand it strikes that partnership with AFC Bournemouth, which I want to do as it’s important for my plan for our growth.”
Wimborne Town have started the season very brightly and currently sit third in the Southern League Division South, with two games in hand on leaders Willand Rovers, as they aim for promotion back to the Southern Premier.
AFC Bournemouth’s Academy have also started the season well, sitting fourth in their Professional Development League and having won both of their games at the New Cuthbury.
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