Gary O’Neil
CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil is “pleased with where” his charges are following the start of their mid-season training camp, but also stressed: “there’s still lots to do”. O’Neil’s first task since being named permanent boss at the Vitality Stadium has been to ready his squad for the return to competitive fixtures at the end of the month, with Cherries currently undergoing a warm-weather training camp in Dubai. With O’Neil previously operating on a week-by-week basis as interim boss, the former Portsmouth midfielder has been able to properly put his stamp on Cherries for the first time. Reflecting on the camp so far,
Gary O’Neil said: “It’s been good, some real good work. Been a hard few days for them, especially training in the heat. Nice to get away as well, spend some time together between sessions. There’s some stuff we can do to build our relationship as a group, meetings and stuff. It’s been a real good work.”
The break in Premier League fixtures represents an opportunity for those on Cherries’ side-lines due to injury, with captain Lloyd Kelly, first-choice goalkeeper Neto, and starlet David Brooks all back on the grass and stepping up their return to fitness.
Gary O’Neil added: “Great to see how well they’re progressing. Brooksy (David Brooks), Nets (Neto) and Lloydy (Lloyd Kelly) doing some real good work. It’s been a positive experience so far for everyone. A few days to go, but it’s been really good.”
As well as focusing on fitness and tactics, O’Neil believes the break has helped members of his team bond.
Gary O Neil said: “It’s important. Even from a staffing point of view, you get to spend every minute of the day together, and conversations come up. The lads get to know some of the boys that they don’t hang around with so much back home. It’s really good for togetherness. The facilities have been excellent as well. It’s been an enjoyable trip. More hard work, the sessions have been really tough to be fair. I’m really pleased with where the boys are. A few weeks still until we’ve got a competitive game, so there’s still lots to do, but the boys are looking in a really good place. Nice to be able to put down some real work now that it’s not just a week-to-week basis. We’re working towards something. Looking forward to the Premier League starting back up.”
