Alexander Smith has revealed the latest on Alex Scott's future from Bournemouth's pre-season camp in Austria, insisting the midfielder is "not for sale for any price." He also explains why the club remain relaxed despite contract speculation, and why Scott's professionalism has impressed.
The atmosphere around AFC Bournemouth's pre-season training camp in Austria couldn't be much more positive, according to Daily Echo reporter Alexander Smith, who is embedded with the squad in Salzburg this week.
Speaking on Back of the Net, from the Cherries' training base ahead of friendlies against St. Pauli and FC Augsburg, Smith described a group full of confidence, with Marco Rose already making a significant impression on his players.
Having spent time with Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon-Doak, Smith believes both Scotland internationals returned from the World Cup in excellent spirits despite the disappointment of their tournament ending earlier than hoped.
Alexander Smith on Back of the Net"I think both are feeling good in themselves afterwards," Smith said. "Ben had a particularly standout campaign for Scotland. He's feeling confident and really hopes that he stays fit this season because they're going to need every player to play their part."
Gannon-Doak's fitness could prove crucial after an injury-hit spell at Bournemouth, but Smith believes the winger is in the perfect frame of mind heading into the new campaign.
"If he stays fit, then he'll get lots of game time. Certainly if he shows some of the form that we saw at the World Cup, then he'll be a real asset for Bournemouth this season."
Christie, meanwhile, appears to have embraced life under new head coach Marco Rose, and Smith revealed that the experienced midfielder believes the German's methods suit his game.
"He particularly sounds like he's enjoying it under Marco Rose because it's playing football the way he enjoys playing football - very intense."
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Sam NavarroWhile Rose has introduced "a couple of positional tweaks in midfield", Smith explained that the overall transition has been smooth, adding that Christie is "really enjoying the challenge of the new boss."
Perhaps most encouragingly for Bournemouth supporters, Smith sensed a genuine belief within the squad that this season could deliver more than just another strong league campaign.
"I think both of them made trophy ambition very clear," he explained.
Highlighting one of Christie's standout comments, Smith said: "The quote I pulled out was about that trip to Wembley being something that's been missing in the group in the last few years."
With Rose boasting an impressive record of winning trophies throughout his coaching career, the players believe he can help change that.
© Steffen Prößdorf"He knows how to do it. He knows how to get there and get it done," Smith said. "They're feeling confident and optimistic that this season they can go deep into a competition, be that the Europa League or one of the Cups."
Away from the pitch, transfer speculation continues to swirl around Alex Scott, but Smith insists Bournemouth remain completely relaxed over the situation.
"From what I understand, he's not for sale for any price," he said.
Despite reports suggesting Scott has rejected a new contract, Smith stressed the midfielder has remained "a top professional", adding that Bournemouth are "very, very happy with him in terms of his professionalism and the way he continues to conduct himself in training."
With the first pre-season friendly against St. Pauli now approaching, Smith expects supporters to get their first glimpse of Rose's Bournemouth project, while hinting that further interviews and exclusive insight from Austria are still to come.
