Town Academy player Alan Connell will move to Third Division AFC Bournemouth when his Town contract ends on June 30th. The 19-year-old striker previously had a trial at Dean Court when he scored twice in three reserve games. Cherries manager Sean O'Driscoll says he consulted former player Matt Holland before making the signing.

O'Driscoll, who tried to take Darren Bent on loan on a number of occasions last season, says of his new signing: "Somebody tipped me off about Alan, so we spoke to Matt about him and he said he was definitely worth a look.

"Matt said he had a nice touch and was a good listener and Alan certainly did very well when he came in for training and in the three reserve games.

"He's another 19-year-old who has been schooled at a good club. Ipswich have a lot of good young players who are given an excellent grounding.

"One of the things that impressed us most about Alan was his excellent attitude which in this day and age is as important as ability.

"We were impressed with him and he was impressed with us. He feels he can progress his career here and we are more than happy to give him a chance."

Bournemouth could gain more than just a striker from Town this summer, with the Cherries entitled to 25% of any profit Town make if they were to sell captain Matt Holland. The Irish international joined the Blues from the Dorset club in August 1997 for £800,000.

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