Two of AFC Bournemouth’s summer signings have spoken of how the club’s new training facilities influenced their decisions to join the club as an update to the development at Canford Magna was published.
Over the last 12 months, the development of the site has accelerated to the extent that Bournemouth players are now able to make use of the indoor pitch for the first time.
Justin Kluivert, who joined from Roma, and Alex Scott (from Bristol City) have revealed how the complex at Canford Magna helped play a role in them deciding to move to the south coast.
“The club has a lot of ambition, just like me,” Kluivert said. "I’m 24 and I’m looking up, and it’s so nice to play for a club that is also looking in the same direction.
Some stunning progress being made on the new training ground 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cSEeOUcGbM
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 24, 2024
“From next year we have a new training ground. It’s looking good right now. I can’t wait for what the future is holding for me here.
“It’s not only what they say but what they show also, with the players that they attract to come and play for them. That speaks louder than words, you know.
“They showed me the whole package when I signed, and it sounded so beautiful. With the new training ground, it’s very professional. It’s going to look very good from what I’ve seen. It’s where we’ll spend most of our time, it’s the number one place we’ll be all the time. I can’t wait to see that."
"I think the plan here is massive"
The new training facilities have enabled Bournemouth to upgrade their Academy status to Category Two, and, along with the appointment of top Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola last June, makes Scott believe that the club are heading in the right direction.
"I think the plan here is massive right from the top, bringing in the manager they did, showing that ambition, the players who have been signed,” the midfielder said.
Gallery: Latest training ground developments - January 2024
“The progress the club has made in the past few years has been huge and we are only looking to keep pushing on from that. We have an amazing training ground being built that will be ready next season at some point, stadium plans going ahead. The whole club.
“I just got the feeling that they really wanted me and that’s what you need. If you speak to any player, they just want that feel that the manager wants you and that faith is being placed in you. They believe in me and that’s important.”
A good week became even better for Bournemouth after they confirmed their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup by thrashing Swansea City 5-0 on Thursday night.