Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Roach urges young trio to take their chance
JOE Roach has urged Cherries' latest youth graduates to seize the moment as they bid to follow in some illustrious footsteps.[LNB] The club's under-18s boss called on Paddy Hester, Alex Parsons and Dan Strugnell to make the most of their opportunities after the trio all penned one-year contracts.[LNB] Manager Lee Bradbury offered the prospects their first deals in professional football at a meeting with the triumvirate at Dean Court late last month.[LNB] Their graduation extended to eight the number of youth team products from Roach's reign currently in Cherries' first team squad, with Danny Ings, Joe Partington, Tim Stephenson, Jayden Stockley and Dan Thomas also part of the senior set-up.[LNB] Vastly-experienced Roach, appointed by Sean O'Driscoll in 2001, has told the class of 2011 to give it everything in an attempt to make a successful transition.[LNB] He told the Echo: They have got to grasp the moment. They have got to grasp the opportunities to develop every day and not let the moment pass them by because it can.[LNB] They have got to ask and enquire with other players and the management team about what is expected of them on a fairly regular basis, so that they do not leave any stone unturned.[LNB] Discussing the most recent batch of players to roll off the Dean Court production line, Roach said: Each one of them has deserved the opportunity. They have been focused throughout the two years.[LNB] Dan Strugnell had an opportunity to go and train with the first team for a while when Eddie Howe was here. Eddie quite liked what he saw in the games he played. He had that opportunity early on but continued to apply himself.[LNB] All three were given an opportunity to train with the first team for a number of weeks over the last couple of months before decisions were made. The manager has also played with and seen them play in reserve games.[LNB] Their attitude and focus has got them where they are.[LNB] In recent years, Roach's former pupils have netted the club more than £1million in transfer fees, with Brett Pitman and Josh McQuoid both moving for hefty fees last season.[LNB] Roach added: We are pleased to have eight players in the squad, supporting the club and the management, from what is historically an excellent programme.[LNB] Steve Lovell is also a product of the Dean Court youth set-up, having emerged in the late 1990s.[LNB]
