Kings Park's sharp shooters - AFCB exclusive training pics

My good friend Damien Hill has been doing some pre-season spying on the Cherries and he has kindly shared his exclusive pictures of the team training in Kings Park. Here's what Damien had to say.

Having just had my birthday and some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket I decided to pop Dow to Dean Court to spend my dosh. I haven't been down recently as for the last 2 weeks I have been on crutches and unable to drive even though I only live a stones throw away from DC going on crutches is/was too much for me, so my first venture in the car apart from going first to the doctors was to get to see my beloved club again.

New merchandise in club shop.

New home shirts.

The club shop is full of the new home kit and training gear which is flying off the shelf and the queue for tickets was flowing nicely.

Elliot Ward and Ryan Fraser take a breather.

I think Tommy and Ryan may just have spotted Damien with his camera.

Harry Arter, Marc Pugh and Steve Cook.

Drinks time.

Training over. Dan Hodges leads the players off the field.

Out on Kings Park playing field some of the boys were in light training and in good spirits working some of the beers they have had on their holidays. Speaking to captain fantastic he said that there were no injury worries apart from Elliot Ward and that he had heard the rumours about Wilson and the lad from Leyton Orient, but nothing but rumours so we still wait on any new signings. Marc Pugh gave his excuses about his poor effort on goalmouth Disney XD channel with knocking over the skittles. The pitch was taking shape and covered with the sheet to help with growth but the training pitches have still a lot of work too be done and all around the ground busy with workmen preparing for the new season ahead.

View of the training pitches.

The pitch is well protected at the moment.

So with my new top purchased I'm looking forward to the new season ahead . UTCIAD!

AFCB supporters keen to snap up more Real Madrid tickets

While all the talk in the last few weeks has been about the price of the tickets to see AFCB take on Real Madrid it does not seem to have slowed down the sale of the tickets. As soon as the announcement was made today about a fresh set of 2000 available seats being available for the game, Cherry supporters have been either queueing for tickets, buying online or jumping on the phone lines to get hold of the highly prized tickets.

We have witnessed a lot of excitement in the town over the success of AFC Bournemouth in recent seasons, but the Real Madrid exhibition match looks set to eclipse all of that. We still have several days to go until the big match, yet AFCB supporters are transfixed by the thought of Kaka and Ronaldo showboating on the pitch in what is hoped will be a very memorable game.

I am sure there is a case of wanting to say, "I was there" for this game. The long enduring Cherry fan will know that the match on 3rd August is far more important for the club's future, but it is great to have some excitement and anticipation ahead of some of the world's greatest football stars making an appearance at Dean Court.

I imagine there will be a lot of special memorabilia at the club shop which will be unveiled just before the game on Sunday after its makeover. It is nice to hear that vice chairman Jeff Mostyn and former director Steve Sly will open the newly extended shop.

I wonder how many replica Real Madrid/AFC Bournemouth scarfs will be hastily stacked onto the shelves - you know you want one.

Views of latest building work and training

I woke up this morning to kindly receive a great gift in some pictures of Dean Court that I thought I would share with you all. Michael Dunne, the creator of All Departments, was busy yesterday catching up on the latest happenings at the ground and took the following pictures.

Make sure you have a listen to Michael's Episode 4 podcast if you have not already heard the interview with Tales from The South End. It is also available to hear on Cherry Chimes, just span down the right hand panel until you come to All Departments and the podcast bar.

All Departments' podcasts are free to listen to.#