AFC BOURNEMOUTH'S Development Squad have continued to impress this season, and, under the leadership of captain Max Kinsey, Alan Connell’s side are on a mission to prove just how good they can be.

Kinsey spoke to EchoSport on the Development Squad’s ambitions, how they set up under Alan Connell, and whether he is eyeing a loan spell in the near future.

The young Cherries sit top of the Professional Development League Southern Group.

Kinsey credits the effort put in behind closed doors to the public successes.

“I think that we all work very hard day in day out and set the standards behind the scenes in training. That’s obviously driven by our great coaching staff and by us boys as a team,” he said.

“We pride ourselves on not letting standards slip whether that’s on or off the pitch.”

As captain, Kinsey said that he helps to set those high standards through “communication and with actions on the pitch; having high standards personally, along with demanding the best” from those around him.

The standards set behind the scenes all point towards a title charge, Kinsey echoed this.

“Our ambition is definitely to win the league,” the 19-year-old said. “We want to prove we have the best players in the league.

“Performing well as a team also leads to more opportunity for individuals to play in front of scouts and get loan moves. Playing well also provides opportunities with the first team, I’ve been fortunate enough to have that last season and in pre-season.”

Alan Connell is very highly thought of within the Bournemouth ranks, one of his key successes has been the thorough preparation of young talents for life within the Cherries first team set up.

“We do like having possession as a team and our back line including the keeper is where it starts,” Kinsey said. “We try as the Development Squad to replicate the first team as much as possible.

“Being a team that work hard out of possession to win the ball back and understanding we may have to suffer without the ball at times.

“Likewise on the ball how can we target other teams’ weakness’ whether that’s playing out and through or playing a bit longer and hitting the channels.”

Kinsey often plays alongside Harold William in a centre back partnership; William, still just 18, has recently been awarded his first professional contract.

“Harold has really stepped up as one of the younger lads in the team and has adjusted to the level quickly,” Kinsey said on his teammate.

“The boys with a bit more experience have really shown him the way and he’s taken on information well. I’m really happy for Harold to be rewarded with a new contract earlier than expected for someone in his year.”

Kinsey was one of very few young players to be taken on the first team pre-season tour, making a substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw against Wrexham. The talented defender found the summer extremely beneficial.

“For me going away with the first team has really helped me,” he said. “I think I’ve taken what I’ve learnt from them and I try and replicate what they do. Especially with the levels they hit in training, I try to help the boys with that.

“It’s definitely helped me prepare for the season.

The former Chelsea academy prospect has had previous loan spells with Wimborne Town and Gosport Borough. But now he has his sights set on a more ambitious temporary spell in the National League or League Two.

“Obviously for me my ambition was to be on loan already, however you have to be ready for anything in football and I have to focus on what’s ahead for the Development Squad,” Kinsey said.

“We will see what happens in the January transfer window. I want to be getting experience in men’s football.

“But my focus right now and priorities lie with the development squad and leading this team to as much success as possible while I am playing for them.”