Morgan feels at home in Cherries colours

The talented defender, who had been on the books at West Ham and Charlton before joining the Cherries at under-10 level, donned the wrong colours during the start of his trial period on the south coast.

Despite the fashion faux pas, the full-back showed his quality to be snapped up by the club’s academy and has since progressed through the ranks over the next eight years.

Asked to reflect on first arriving in Dorset, Morgan told afcb.co.uk: “It was tough at the start because in one of my first training sessions on trial, I turned up in a West Ham kit. I don’t know how my parents let me do that!

“Just being a kid, I didn’t think much of it and my dad is a West Ham fan, so he probably quite liked it!

“But then we were at Brighton away, two weeks after my first training session. They called me in and said they said they had been really impressed with me.

“My mum was at the game as well and they wanted to sign me there and then, which was such a happy moment for me.

“I got back in the car, called my dad and we were all delighted. It was tough at the start but once I got signed, I settled in a bit more.”

Fast forward to today, Morgan is part of a group of under-18s who have agreed terms to be promoted to Alan Connell’s development squad next season.

Injury rocked the defender’s 2023-24 campaign, but a highlight came when he captained James Lowy’s under-18s to a stunning 5-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

“I’ve been at the club since under-10s. I have been here for a long while, I know what the club is like and what they want, so I am really happy to be here,” said Morgan.

“I am really grateful for what all the staff have done for me, so hopefully I can repay their trust next season.

“Going to next season, hopefully I can kick on and play as many games as possible.”