“Up and down ride”- Bournemouth star opens up after failed transfer bid
Lloyd Kelly talks about his future after failed Tottenham Hotspur bid
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has spoken about his future after a failed move to Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day not so long ago.
The summer transfer window can often be a rollercoaster ride for players, and for Lloyd Kelly, it was no exception. The young defender, once shrouded in the possibility of donning the famous white Lilywhite jersey, has candidly shared his thoughts on what transpired during that fateful window.
Tottenham’s interest in Lloyd Kelly came to light on the morning of deadline day, with a reported bid of £20 million for the talented centre-back. This was no ordinary pursuit. It was an attempt to bolster a defence that had seen its fair share of challenges in recent times.
However, fate had other plans. Bournemouth, Kelly’s then-employers, were determined to keep their prized asset. The Cherries’ reluctance to part ways with him so late in the window was evident.
Alasdair Gold, a prominent figure on YouTube, hinted at a potential revival of Tottenham’s interest in the 24-year-old when the winter transfer window reopens. It only makes sense since the club needs defenders.
For Kelly, the tumultuous summer transfer window was undoubtedly a rollercoaster ride. It was a time when he stood at the precipice of a significant career move, only to find himself firmly anchored in familiar surroundings.
Speaking on his experiences, Kelly shared,
“I think looking back at the start of the season, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a bit of an up and down ride. But I’m here and I want to play the best football that I can.”
His determination to thrive in the face of adversity is admirable. He acknowledges the past but is resolute in his focus on the future. For him, this season’s goal is simple – to deliver consistent performances that reflect his true potential.
It remains to be seen if Tottenham go back in for Kelly in the future. Only time will tell how this pans out.
‘Perfect environment’ – Cherries under-18s boss Lowy discusses changes in the academy
CHERRIES under-18s boss James Lowy believes his players are in the “perfect environment” having made the challenging step up in competition this season.
Over the summer, the club’s academy was awarded category two status, which sees them compete with higher profile opposition than previously when category three.
It has been a mixed bag in terms of results at under-18 level so far, since Lowy took over as head coach in July.
Cherries began their league campaign with wins over Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United, but have now lost four on the spin, most recently beaten 2-1 by Hull City at Canford Arena on Saturday.
“I think it’s been a fantastic step for the academy, definitely, to progress to cat two,” Lowy told the Daily Echo.
“I think we’re realising each week that the level of opposition we come up against is challenging.
“In terms of looking to develop the boys within this setting, it’s the perfect environment for them.
“Every game is competitive. You face good individual players, good teams.
“I think it’s where we need to be as a club right now.
“It’s a definite realisation that we have to improve every day and develop every day as well.”
He added: “As an academy, there are so many good people in the building.
“In terms of individual departments, collectively as a whole academy staff, that was definitely in place.
“We were just waiting on the development of the new training ground and a new facility to get going before we could progress.
“So I think not much has changed from the staffing side of things, but it was just waiting on that facility to get the go ahead.
“And for us now collectively as an academy, we just want to really try and establish ourselves and then from there just look to keep building and keep progressing as an academy and as a club.”
Lowy, who graduated from Bournemouth University, previously spent time with Crystal Palace before joining Cherries.
He worked with different age groups before a spell as assistant to Alan Connell in the development squad in the second half of last season.
A reshuffle over the summer has seen his role change again, now heading up the under-18s, supported by Andrew Surman, while Tom Prodomo was drafted in to assist Connell.
Asked about his new position as head coach of the under-18s, Lowy said: “It was a role I was really looking forward to stepping into and I’m loving every experience so far.
“I just want to keep progressing, keep learning and just keep trying and develop the players.
“I’ve been really fortunate to have worked with a lot of the groups across the academy, which I’m really grateful for.
“Learning from Al (Alan Connell) with the under-21s was a great learning experience for me and sort of leaning on Al, with his experience of the under-18s, which has been great.”
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