Read a full transcript of Kelvin Davis’ reaction after Eastleigh’s win against Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly.

Davis was asked about the challenge of Bournemouth, the fitness levels of the squad, our playing style, and more. Here is what he had to say:

We run out as winners against Bournemouth. What did you make of that, and how do you feel it went?

“It was a really good challenge. It’s nice for us to be able to come to, what I would call, a low-key event if you like. There was a bit more going on last weekend so it was an opportunity to really work on stuff this week and what we want to improve on. It was an extended week for the lads as we start to build up some minutes.

“There were some good performances and a lot to work on so from a coaching point of view, a development point of view for the team, it was good to get minutes into the guys that needed it. It was nice to see Josh [Lundstram] on the pitch and Jordan [Cousins] starting to get some minutes under their belt and start to understand what we’re trying to do in terms of our philosophy and our way so yeah, a really good exercise.”

You mentioned the new players, where do you see them in terms of their fitness levels?

“All three of them are good from a fitness perspective and body composition, they’re in good shape. It’s just now about getting some football into them and getting them to understand what we want from them, from an individual in the group and we’ll get there. It was nice to win a game of football and get a clean sheet.

“The trialists had another opportunity for them to show us what they can do. I thought both of them were very good today.”

There were some really good displays of passing throughout the game. Is that something you’ve been trying to work on and a way that you’re trying to get them to play?

“I don’t know, I think that the game allowed us to have a bit more of the ball at times and there were opportunities to do even more of that. It’s an opportunity for us to develop and improve. When we’ve got Macca [McCallum] on the pitch and he’s such a big presence, to go a bit more direct and try and cause the opposition problems, why would you not do it?

“At the end of the day, we’re trying to develop a team that knows how to win and if you’ve got that power at the top end of the pitch, then we’ll use it.”

The younger players got their chances in the squad again today. How good is that for them, and how do you think they did?

“It’s great to have the facility to be able to utilise the whole club and having the EDS lads with us, it’s great for their progression in their careers. For us, it’s an opportunity to get a good look at them and almost put them on the next level in their careers, so they’ll learn something and develop wherever they end up.

“I’m really pleased that so many of them got on the pitch. It’s an opportunity for us to limit minutes and get the right amount of build-up for our lads without flogging people too early. We are really glad that we’ve got that opportunity to be able to utilise the full club!”