By Luke Donnelly (@LukeDonnelly01)
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has said it is “brilliant news” that plans have been approved for a new training ground ahead of his side’s fixture against Burnley.
The club confirmed this week that they will begin work on building a new state-of-the-art training complex will begin imminently on the 57-acre former Canford Magna Golf Club site.
“It’s brilliant news, it’s given everyone at the club a huge lift,’ Howe said.
“The desperate need to keep moving the club forward is so important, I believe the training ground is the bedrock of every football club”.
AFC Bournemouth currently lack a major training complex, meaning the first team train in different facilities from the U21’s and the academy.
Howe continued: “The main thing for me is the academy status, as it will put ourselves in a better position to produce our own players.
“Bringing everyone under one roof gives you contact time with everybody – the ability to influence players of all ages.”
Fans will hope that these plans will help their side cement their position in the Premier League.
One win in their last eight
The Cherries have just one win in their last eight premier league games; that victory coming against already relegated Huddersfield.
Howe has expressed his frustration with this form but is hopeful that home advantage will count tomorrow.
Howe said: “It is a disappointing return and I don’t think there is one thing you can point at as there is a combination of factors.
“We’re just looking to get back to the level of performance we’re capable of.
“We’re in front of our own supporters tomorrow so it’s very clear we have to give our absolute best and hope that will be enough to get us the result.”
Conceding late goals has also been a problem for Bournemouth in recent games, with this issue clear against both Leicester and Newcastle.
The Cherries conceded a last-gasp equaliser against the Magpies courtesy of former Bournemouth man Matt Ritchie and Jamie Vardy added a second for Leicester with eight minutes remaining last week to hand the Foxes a comfortable 2-0 win.
Howe told Buzz: “I think the players will be well aware that you go into the latter stages of the game and more often than not there are key goals for or against your team.
“I don’t think there is anything fundamentally wrong with the team, just mentally we have to be better tomorrow.”
Tomorrow’s opposition
The Cherries’ come up against a relegation-battling Burnley side who have struggled to live up to their success of last season which saw them secure a Europa League spot.
But despite this Burnley will be determined to get a win to aid their Premier League survival hopes and were absolutely fantastic in their 2-0 win over high-flying Wolves last time out.
Howe explained: “We’re expecting a tough game with a physical battle. We have to make sure we match their commitment.
“I don’t think Burnley will give us any surprises with what they’ll do, but they showed last year that unless you know what they will do it’s very difficult to beat them.”
Team News
Eddie Howe will make late calls over Adam Smith (hamstring) and Charlie Daniels (Ankle)
Steve Cook (groin) is still a long way out, but he has made a return to training.
In terms of long-term injuries, Lewis Cook (knee) and captain Simon Francis (knee) have made good progression over recent weeks, with no setbacks.
AFC Bournemouth v Burnley will take place on Saturday 6th April at 3pm at the Vitality Stadium.
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