Sean O’Driscoll would have preferred the 0-1 Southampton friendly in pre-season rather than now. However triallist Michael Trought a 21 year old left sided defender available on a free from Bristol Rovers did enough to give him a pre-season training call.
Arsenal striker Carlin Itonga also used the match as a trial. Youth teamer Sam Bennett has been called up to the Wales under-19 squad for the UEFA Under-19 tournament in Northern Ireland next season. He plays midfield or left back and according to Joe Road “he has impressed with his desire and is always committed”.
2 May
Tony Swaisland has dispelled fears over the abandonment of the Community Club structure. “I am not trying to change the ownership of the club…I am trying to keep AFC Bournemouth afloat by I) reducing costs and ii) increasing income”. ITV Digital going to the wall is not very helpful you might say.
3 May
Tresor Kandol, David Birmingham and Graeme Mathie have been told they are free to leave the club. Sean O’Driscoll hopes to take full squad to tonight’s Testimonial at BAT Sports for long serving players Richie Hurst and Lee Hodder.
6 May
Shaun Maher and Garreth O’Connor have agreed new one year deals. Negotiations are also in hand for one year deals with Neil Young and Narada. A new contract has also been offered to Richard Hughes.
7 May
Sean O’Driscoll has lined up a spell of mid summer training. The players were released after the BAT friendly and will return for the first ten days in June. And after that will have a break before resuming the first week in July.
With the new season due to commence on 10 August the fixtures are due out during their first return to training with the Worthington Cup draw in early July.
10 May
News on former players sees Shaun Teale moving from Southport to Burscough as player/Manager.
Geoff Butler has taken over the hot seat at Weymouth.
Early news on friendlies sees AFCB entertain Crystal Palace on 17 July and Tottenham Hotspur on 25 July.
The Mel Machin Testimonial against Manchester United could be on 27 July.
Dorset Combination champions Hamworthy Recreation are hoping to host a visit from the Cherries on 9 July although this has to be confirmed.
Matches against Lymington & New Milton, Dorchester Town and Salisbury City are also in the pipeline.