MIDFIELDER Dan Gosling stressed the importance of team-bonding exercises to help Cherries gel ahead of the new campaign.

The 28-year-old was part of a paddleboarding challenge set by Eddie Howe during their pre-season training camp in Spain.

He also took part as Howe’s men enjoyed a recovery session on the beach last week – which included a white-knuckle ride down the Bournemouth Pier zip line.

With new recruits David Brooks and Diego Rico both finding their feet having been recruited this summer, former Newcastle and Everton man Gosling insisted the tasks had a positive impact.

He told the Daily Echo: “There are new players bedding-in with the team and the team-bonding events are a laugh but we all have a right good go at it.

“If you don’t have a go, there is no point putting it on or the staff organising it and making all the effort for us.

“It’s good to get to know the new players and it’s probably one of the most important things.”

Gosling played 90 minutes during Cherries’ 2-0 friendly defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

He could be involved when they host Real Betis on Friday (7pm) or Marseille less than 24 hours later (3pm).