Burnley new boy Wade Elliott is living proof that there is still real talent in non-league football. The 26-year-old was plying his trade at Bashley five years ago before being snapped up by Bournemouth in a £5,000 deal. The former England schoolboy international has racked up over 200 appearances for the Cherries including an impressive 52 last season as they just missed out on the League One play-offs. However, Steve Cotterill was keeping tabs on Elliott and teammate Garreth O'Connor and swooped to bring them in to Turf Moor. Elliott spoke to Ian Clarkson about the season ahead and one game in particular he is looking forward to.
Q:ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL?
A:When I looked at the fixture list last week it brought it home just how good this season is going to be. Some of the stadiums will be playing at and some of the teams we will be playing against make you realise how good the Championship is.
Q:WHAT GAME PARTICULARLY CAUGHT YOUR EYE?
A:If I was going to pick one out it would have to be the Southampton game at St. Mary's Stadium. My step-dad and uncles are all season ticket holders and all my family are still based in the area. I would imagine all the men would be in the Southampton end while all the women will be in with the Burnley fans!
Q:WILL IT HELP HAVING FORMER BOURNEMOUTH TEAM MATE GARRETH O'CONNOR WITH YOU AT TURF MOOR?
A:It is a good challenge for both Garreth and I. Steve Cotterill had us watched on a number of occasions so we can feel confident that he believes in our ability and that we can fit into their game style. It is a great opportunity for us to make a mark at a higher level. It will be a big plus having someone there I know and who will be going through the same things that I am, such as living out of a bag and hotel for the first few months. I will be able to bounce a few ideas off him as well and I think the gaffer is looking to bring in quite a few signings so I would imagine there will be a few of us in a hotel to start with. I have been up to the club a couple of times already and I will look for somewhere to live when I have settled into the training regime.
Q:WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING ON YOUR FIRST DAY OF PRE-SEASON?
A:I would imagine that the first day of pre-season will be a piping hot day as it usually is. It will be a big change for us and everything will be fresh so I am looking forward to it immensely – even the running.
Q:DID YOU SPEAK TO THE MANAGER MUCH IN THE CLOSE SEASON?
A:I live in Christchurch, which is a village near Dorset, and I bumped into the manager in the town centre, as he still lives in the area! He is obviously keeping tabs on me and making sure I am looking after myself in the summer break. I haven't gone to any clubs this summer just in case I bump into him!
Q:WAS IT A DIFFICULT DECISION TO LEAVE BOURNEMOUTH?
A:It wasn't a difficult decision really because the opportunity to play in the Championship was just too good to turn down. However, it will be a bit of a wrench to go as the supporters and everyone at the club have been so good to me and it is a lovely place to live. We have been close to promotion in both the last two seasons but not quite made it. However, there was a burning desire within the squad to make it to the next level and Garreth and I have done that, albeit by a slightly different route.
