Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Connell hails team-mates' support after 'worst ever year'
ALAN Connell says the camaraderie within the Cherries squad has helped him through the hardest year of my life.
Connell continued his comeback from long-term injury when he made his first appearance of the season as a second-half substitute during Cherries 2-0 defeat at Northampton on Saturday.
It came almost 12 months to the day after he rejoined Cherries from Brentford, his return marred when he damaged his left knee during his first training session with the club.
His injury problem, however, paled into insignificance when Connell endured the ultimate devastation after losing mother Sue to terminal illness in March.
Although he only featured sparingly, Connell describes Cherries escape from relegation as the only chink of light during a year he would rather forget.
Speaking to the Daily Echo last night, the 26-year-old added: The past year has been the hardest of my life, without doubt. Its been harder to take than I thought and really knocked the stuffing out of me.
But its made me realise who I can rely on and what a great set of team-mates Ive got. If I had to go through the experience with any squad, it would be with this one. The support they have given me on and off the pitch is something Ive never experienced before.
Ive had to deal with a hell of a lot during the past year, more than people will know. But its made me even more determined to be a success at this club, which means a lot to my family and myself.
A popular figure among the Dean Court faithful during his first spell at the club between 2002 and 2005, Connell netted 11 goals in 64 appearances including 42 from the bench.
His first taste of match action this season came during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Salisbury a fortnight ago before he came off the bench after 66 minutes at Northampton.
It was great, apart from the result, said Connell. Ive had to bide my time so when Eddie said I was going on, I was really excited and just tried to make a positive impact.
I worked hard all through the summer with Steve Hard and even when pre-season started, I wasnt too far away. I did most of pre-season but it was a case of easing into it and being patient when it came to playing.
I feel as good now as I have since I rejoined the club. I feel like my sharpness is coming back and Im just going to enjoy my playing time and seize my opportunity as and when it comes.
Connell is expected to start when Cherries open their Football Combination campaign against Salisbury at Dean Court today when he will be partnered by Lewis Smith (2pm).
Boss Eddie Howe will also run the rule over midfielder Ryan Crowther, who recently left Liverpool by mutual consent, while goalkeeper David Blackmore from West Ham has also been named in the Cherries squad.
Cherries: (from) Blackmore, Webb, Partington, Oldring, Magookin, McQuoid, Bartley, Hill, Crowther, Connell, Smith, Ings, Costa, Thomas.
Wales Joe Partington and Northern Irelands Josh McQuoid will be unavailable for Cherries JPT clash against Yeovil and the League Two trip to Torquay after being named in their respective countries squads for UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers next week.
