Trialists Impress

Last updated : 05 May 2006 By Bournemouth Co-Ordinator
Speaking before the 12-1 reserve demolition of Swansea City reserves, Richard O'Kelly was quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying: "We've been following these lads for quite some time and it is a chance for us to have a look at them and for them to have a look at us. Conal Platt is a Republic of Ireland under-19 international and we spotted him and Jack Watkins at the Premier League exit trials. Ryan Johnson is someone we've looked at before and wanted to have another look at and Tareq Khalil has been training with us recently. The step-up from under-18 football or reserve team football to our first-team is a big step but that is what we are looking for them to be able to do. But it is a big thrill finding these young players who can play at our level".

After the match O'Kelly went on to say: "You always try and treat the lads as if they were your own son and my advice is always the same to them: `if you get an offer to go somewhere else, go and have a look and see what is available'. If they then happen to have a choice of clubs, they have a decision to make. If you do end up getting a player, you've got a happy player who wants to be there ..... you have to take the opposition into account, but Tareq has been training with us for a few weeks and he showed up quite well. We spotted Conal at the exit trials in Lilleshall. He's been released by Liverpool, has got a great left foot and is comfortable on the ball - we've liked what we've seen so far".