Cherries an 'attractive club' and 'not just a stepping stone' - Brooks

Bournemouth's David Brooks told BBC Radio Solent he missed the 4-1 friendly win over German side St. Pauli as a precaution after feeling "something very, very small".

Brooks explained it was new boss Marco Rose who decided to play it safe and not risk his midfielder.

As the Cherries prepare to face Augsburg on 30 July in Saalfenden, Austria, Brooks spoke to BBC Radio Solent, who have a team following Rose's side on tour.

Brooks explained: "We need to be fit for the start of the season; that's an emphasis we have each and every year. It is very important that we start well this year. The schedule is going to be very busy and there's not going to be much time for training."

The Cherries will have Europa League football added to their schedule next season, which could add an extra 15 competitive games to their fixture list.

Last season, Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth featured in 40 matches in all competitions, in comparison to Aston Villa, who were crowned Europa League champions - Unai Emery's side competed in 56 games in all competitions.

"The aim was always to get there with Bournemouth," said Brooks. "The club have grown from strength to strength, especially when Bill [Foley] took over and the ambitions he had set into us.

"That's why a lot of the lads want to stay now. It is becoming a lot more of an attractive club to be at and not just a stepping stone.

"It's a credit to everyone who is running the football club," added Brooks.

Listen to Brooks' interview below or on BBC Sounds

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