Cherries captain LLyod Kelly sat down with Nerve Sport and talks teammates and wearing the armband
For all the plaudits being given to an array of attacking talent down on the south coast, there is one player with an eye on keeping things quiet at the other end – enter Lloyd Kelly.
Stepping up to take the captain’s armband, with Steve Cook unable to break into Scott Parker’s first team, Kelly is leading a young Cherries side on a charge for promotion back to England’s topflight. With just over a third of the season out the way, the young defender looks well on his way to returning the club to the Premier League.
The Cherries sit top of the pile in the Championship and have given themselves the reputation as the league’s toughest team to break down.
The former Bristol City man has become an integral part of the Cherries defence this season, and has formed a formidable partnership with former Chelsea and England star Gary Cahill.
The pair have kept eight clean sheets and conceded just four goals as Bournemouth have dominated the league.
As a 23-year-old, Kelly recognises his game can improve by learning from a “serial winner” alongside him.
Speaking to NERVE SPORT about the impact of his new defensive partner, he said: “It’s massive.
“Not only for me but everyone playing with him in the group. He is a serial winner, and he still has that in him.
“Playing alongside him, he can talk you through certain situations, and we work on things in training together before each game to help us when the game comes.”
Kelly has also watched first-hand the emergence of Jordan Zemura and Jaidon Anthony who both stepped up from the development squad this season. The young left-back and forward have created a wonderful partnership down Bournemouth’s left flank with a total of seven goals between them. impressing their captain along the way.
“I said it a couple of weeks ago that JZ (Jordan Zemura) and Jaidon Anthony have been immense so far this season,” he said.
“From last season, where they did not play many minutes, to being part of pretty much every game this season.”
He added: “The rise of those two has been incredible to see and I am sure they will get better as the season progresses.”
As the on field captain, Kelly has helped nurture a real sense of togetherness amongst his teammates. It can be seen on the pitch in every goal celebration and the resolute defending when the team has come under the cosh – the last ten minutes against QPR springs to mind – a team determined to hold on to their lead and get over the line.
When asked about the team bond, Kelly said: “Yeah, we have a really tight knit squad, and I am sure it shows on the pitch as well.
“As you have said, off the pitch, although we spend most of the day together, we do things outside of football.
“It’s nice just to relax and enjoy life really and I guess doing that just brings everyone together more.”
And then there is the impact of new “gaffer”. Scott Parker took the top job at the Vitality in the summer and his methods and work ethic have been rubbing off on everyone according to Kelly.
“100%, you know that whatever the situation he will have your back and the effort that he is putting in for us this season, it would be hard not to do the same.
“It’s a two-way relationship with everyone, including all the staff as well, and I feel whatever effort they put in we have to put the same back and it is that combination of the two that has worked well this season.”
Despite the loss to Preston last week, the Cherries have been an almost unstoppable force in the Championship this season and it is clear to see that there is a real determination and professionalism throughout the squad.
Kelly epitomises this with his consistent performances and ability to lead a team of both young talent and seasoned pros.
When asked about the dynamic between himself and the senior pros within the squad, he said: “I guess from the outside looking in you could say it is a bit of a strange one, but it is just normal really.
“Nothing has changed. They know what to expect of me and I know what to expect of them.
“I think that comes down to the relationship we have together.
“Of course, the gaffer has put faith in me to make captain this season, but I feel like I am not the only leader out there – there of loads of leaders out there.
“I’m grateful to be wearing the armband but it is a team thing.”