IN-demand Mitchell Nelson has revealed that Eddie Howe’s blueprint helped swing his decision in favour of the Red Army.

The 20-year-old confirmed he opted for a Dean Court switch ahead of alternative moves to Reading and Crystal Palace – largely because of Cherries’ managerial duo and their footballing principles.

Nelson, a former Colchester trainee, was this month unveiled as one of six new signings as Howe builds a team to compete in League One next season.

And the versatile defender admitted the nature of his talks with Howe and Jason Tindall – and the prospect of the pair helping him improve – persuaded him to join Cherries.

The south Londoner, who enjoyed a productive campaign in the Ryman League with Tooting and Mitcham last season, is looking forward to settling into his new surroundings.

He told the Echo: “Bournemouth appealed to me more because they can help me like the rest of the players.

“Eddie and Jason are young and they can understand and relate to me more, and let me know what I need to do to become better as a player.

“I liked the the team spirit they were talking about. I know a few of the lads, so I knew where they were coming from.

“When you enjoy your football and are happy, you play your best. So if you are around a team with good spirit, you will be able to do that.”

Describing what type of player supporters could expect to see, Nelson said: “I play anywhere along the back but mostly full-back – right-back.

“I like getting forward but I’ve got to defend first. Once I defend first, then I like to get on and get it down and play, which was probably why I’ve come to Bournemouth as well.

“Eddie and Jason said they play football and like to keep it down and play, but as a defender if it has to go, it has to go.”

Following his release from Colchester, Nelson treaded the path familiar to many young players by dropping into the semi-pro game.

He added: “A lot of young players are getting released from pro clubs and they are taking that step back to non-league to get experience.

“I played about 49 games last season and I enjoyed it. It gave me a lot of experience.”