Bournemouth "Fringe" Stars Outline Personal Ambitions for 2026/27

As AFC Bournemouth continue to adapt to Marco Rose's demanding methods during their pre-season camp in Austria, several of the club's fringe and development players have been outlining their personal ambitions for the season ahead, in chats to the Daily Echo's Alexander Smith - who is out with the squad in Saalfelden.

Competition for places is expected to be fiercer than ever as the Cherries prepare for their first European campaign, and from established squad members looking to cement regular starting roles to academy graduates hoping for breakthrough opportunities or valuable loan moves, the message is consistent: everyone is determined to make their mark under the new head coach.

Rose's high-intensity training sessions have already set the standard, and those on the fringes know they will have to earn every opportunity that comes their way. From fighting for minutes to earning loan moves and simply staying fit, the message throughout the camp has been one of determination.

New signing Bafode Diakite is under no illusions about what he wants from his second season at Vitality Stadium.

"I'm a competitor, so I want to play. I know last season, it was my first season. I think I started well, so I have to take again this ambition and give everything. Now I know, like I say, what the championship wants, so I have to improve my level with the ball, without the ball. And yeah, for a start, I have to play, and after this give everything, give everything in duels, everything. So it's up to me to give everything and to be ready to play when the coach will call me."

For David Brooks, the objective is less about statistics and more about enjoying every moment on the pitch following everything he has overcome during his career. Nevertheless, the Welsh international hopes the goals and assists will naturally follow.

"I've obviously said it a few times with my period out, I want to enjoy football until I can't anymore. So it's just being out on that pitch enjoying it as much as possible. Obviously I love creating chances and getting myself in goal-scoring opportunities, which hopefully I'll get a few more goals this season as well. So, it's, like I say, just trying to put a smile on my own face and play as much as possible."

Striker Daniel Jebbison is taking a measured approach despite competition for attacking places. Rather than looking too far ahead, the youngster insists his focus remains on making every opportunity count.

"I take it day by day, tomorrow's tomorrow, and I get given what's given to me, and I just try making the best out of it, whether it's one minute, 30 seconds, doesn't matter. I'm not really thinking about the future. I just give 100 per cent every training session, every game".

Young winger Ben Gannon-Doak, who had an injury hit 2025/26 season, has set himself a simple objective after a patchy campaign: stay available and force his way into the manager's thinking.

"Obviously I'm going to be working my socks off to try and get in the gaffer's good books and get him to trust me, to play me as many times as what he would like, which is hopefully more than last season. I had my injuries and stuff, but I think the ultimate goal this season is to be available for as many games as possible and take whatever opportunities I can get. My body feels okay, but it's important to keep doing the right things off the pitch and fuelling my body correctly. So I am not going to get carried away".

For academy graduate Remy Rees-Dottin, the next few weeks could prove pivotal. Whether that means breaking into Rose's plans or securing a loan move, the 20-year-old knows regular senior football is now essential for his development.

"I'm really just trying to push as much as I can, try to fight for a spot up here. Obviously keep fit, keep mentally right as well. So whether an opportunity comes to me for a loan or anything, I'm ready for that. If I'm not making it into this team, I'm just ready for anything and ready for some men's experience this season".

"I think at this point in my career, obviously I'm 20 now, so I think it's come to a point where I need to be getting some regular minutes in men's football. So whether that's staying around here and fighting for a spot this preseason, this coming season as well, or looking at what opportunities come up to me, I’ve just got to wait and see what kind of happens until the end of the window, really."

Meanwhile, fellow academy star Charlie Stevens sees positives whichever path his season takes. With Bournemouth's under-21s stepping up to Category One football while loan opportunities remain a possibility, the defender is embracing every challenge ahead.

"It’ll be a great experience for all of us to test ourselves against the next level of opposition, one that we've hoped for for a year or so now. There will be positives to either experience, whether I go on loan or whether I stay. In staying, Cat One will be a great challenge, so I'm looking forward to it either way".

Alexander Smith will continue to chat in depth with other members of the Cherries squad during his time in Austria, and the full unabridged conversations has been read over on the Bournemouth Echo website, where viewers are invited to get on board with a special offer of 6 months for just £6. 

As Bournemouth continue their preparations in Austria, Rose's relentless training methods are already setting the tone for the campaign ahead. Whether these players establish themselves in the first-team squad, head out on loan or seize opportunities when they arise, one thing is clear: every member of the squad knows they will have to earn their place under the Cherries' new head coach.