BOSS Scott Parker insisted Cherries would need to be a “tight-knit” unit this season – and believes the squad’s training camp in Spain would be a big help.

The majority of the Dorset club on Sunday night touched down across the continent for a nine-day schedule at Marbella Football Centre, a facility they have used in the past for pre-season.

Cherries are tomorrow set to face Spanish third tier outfit Real Balompedica Linense at the same location (6pm UK time).

Parker’s men are set to end their stay with a clash against La Liga outfit Granada on Monday (6pm UK Time) at the Federacion Malaguena de Futbol, in Andalusia.

And Parker insists togetherness within the group partly forged in the camp will be a big factor in their progress.

“It is a good opportunity for the group to be together,” he said. “Long hours, long days together in terms of bonding and getting the group tight.

“Obviously weather-wise it helps, it’s different scenery, a different environment, I think the key is just spending some time together really.

“We are going to need to be a tight-knit team this year – a group of people that will spend a lot of time together and I think that will help us. Spain will help us.”

New signing Emiliano Marcondes has travelled as part of the training group, as well as Adam Smith, who re-signed with Cherries on a two-year deal last Saturday.

David Brooks and Jefferson Lerma have also linked up with the group following their international commitments.

Parker had already enjoyed a fortnight with his squad back in the UK and has been happy with his team’s progress.

He added: “I think I knew, once I got interest of the job, I had an understanding of the squad. I watch games, I see the quality, I’m familiar with certain players, so nothing has really surprised me.

“Work-ethic and their endeavour every day on the training field, they have been superb, something which you’d probably expect.

“But I have not been surprised in any way, I have been pleasantly surprised if anything.”