NEW recruit Joe Rothwell revealed how Cherries’ pre-season trip to Portugal would be a “home from home” for him – having also tied the knot just down the road from the complex this summer.

Rothwell arrived at Vitality Stadium on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers last month and is set to jet off with his new teammates for their warm-weather training camp tomorrow.

But as well as trying to secure a move to the Premier League, the former Manchester United youngster was also preparing to get married to partner Hollie in Portugal last month.

Asked about going on Cherries’ pre-season trip across the continent, the 27-year-old said: “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a bit like a home from home for me, Portugal.

“I got married there in the summer, literally five minutes from where we are going. I love the place.

“This is tough here but with the heat over there, it’s probably going to crank it up a little bit more.”

Quizzed on what it was like balancing planning a wedding with securing a move to the top flight, the former Blackburn ace said: “It (the wedding) was moved from the year before.

“It kind of took priority over everything in the summer – the missus wouldn’t have been too happy if I said ‘let’s just wait a minute, I need to go and sign up here!’.

“Obviously, I spoke to the manager beforehand. He knew my situation and I saw him out there at the time as well!

“He was fine with it all. He just said ‘look, you go and enjoy your summer, get what you need to do and we will be here when you are ready and you get back’.

“Thankfully, that’s what happened.”

Rothwell could feature for the first time for Scott Parker’s side when they face Sheffield Wednesday in their opening friendly on Friday, July 15.

And while Cherries will be hard at work on the training ground across the tour, Rothwell admitted the one thing he would like to enjoy if the squad get any downtime.

“I’d do anything to get a round of golf in if I can,” he added. “When I am away from football and I have a bit of time, that is the one thing I love doing.

“Hopefully there is a bit of downtime, or spare time and we can get a round in.

"I am off 5.4 (as a handicap) at the minute – I am knocking it round all right but that might change in a few weeks when you ask me again!

“It’s the one thing outside of football I really love doing.”

Cherries are also set to face Braga in a friendly on Tuesday, July 19.