I was very honoured as an AFCB fan to be invited to my first press conference yesterday as I listened to Eddie Howe preview today's match against Everton and to shed some light on how the training had been going this week. There were only a few journalists present as a Friday conference does not attract so many media contacts when they just have an evening before the game. But there was one impression that certainly came across clearly to those hanging on Eddie's every word - he won't have much of a happy 38th birthday on Sunday if his team does not come away from the Vitality stadium with three points against Everton.
It was also Junior Stanislas' birthday on Friday and Eddie Howe was first to say that he hoped he had a big game. I imagine scoring a goal on your birthday must be better then ever for a footballer and the Cherries certainly need more good fortune in front of goal than they had last home match. Eddie might not be able to score the goals himself, but he'll be celebrating if he wins this one and he feels AFCB are edging closer to a win when considering the last two games.
"Those two games have been right up there in terms of our performances in a long, long time. Dominant with the ball, dominant in terms of chances, just haven't got the elusive goals when we've needed them. Unfortunately we have shipped a couple in when we looked totally safe. So it's frustration on our part, as we feel we are close to winning games but obviously that has to be proved. We have to go out in the nest few games and put that right," Eddie commented.
"Definitely the effort is there. I've always complimented my players on work ethic, their professionalism, their desire and motivation levels. We hit top marks for all those points. I think where we have mainly fallen down this season is a couple of incidents where luck has certainly played a part and we've been on the wrong side of that for the majority of the season. A few decisions have gone against us and all these things play big parts in games. And, at times we've made individual mistakes that have cost us," said Eddie.
That is not to say that the team is down or not believing in itself. Eddie continued,"I don't see anything other than this team improving and getting better as the season progresses."
Eddie realises that it won't be easy though to upset the likes of Everton. "When you watch them play as we have, they are very impressive which is no surprise under Roberto Martinez. The job he has done at Swansea and Wigan and the way he has stuck to his football plan. He is now developing that at Everton and they are an enjoyable team to watch, " added Eddie.
"For us I'd like to think we are on an upward curve and this will be an exciting game.
"They have a good balance of physicality and pace. I think it will be a difficult game for us. They are a dangerous opponent," Eddie concluded.
A big thanks to Max Fitzgerald for inviting me to the press conference! If things work out I'll do a feature on the Man Utd press conference in a few weeks time. Enjoy the game today everyone. I'm looking forward to this one. UTCIAD!
Other matters
Kelly Somers (@Kesomers) at the club made me aware that Mike Parry of Talk Sport is going to make good his ill judged prediction that the Cherries would not get promoted last season by donating £1000 to Julia's House before the game on the centre circle. If you would like to also support the charity which Eddie Howe is patron of why not donate yourself by buying some brilliant locally scened Christmas cards from their site - just £4 for 10.
The Newsletter will be out early as I'm travelling next week. Keep checking the blog as I'm not sure how easy it will be to post at my usual times.
Look out tomorrow for the Cherry Chimes' December Newsletter which brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month, plus there is a special Newsletter article entitled: Has Rantie missed a chance?
To sign up for the newsletter just complete the form below - like all good things it's free:
It was also Junior Stanislas' birthday on Friday and Eddie Howe was first to say that he hoped he had a big game. I imagine scoring a goal on your birthday must be better then ever for a footballer and the Cherries certainly need more good fortune in front of goal than they had last home match. Eddie might not be able to score the goals himself, but he'll be celebrating if he wins this one and he feels AFCB are edging closer to a win when considering the last two games.
"Those two games have been right up there in terms of our performances in a long, long time. Dominant with the ball, dominant in terms of chances, just haven't got the elusive goals when we've needed them. Unfortunately we have shipped a couple in when we looked totally safe. So it's frustration on our part, as we feel we are close to winning games but obviously that has to be proved. We have to go out in the nest few games and put that right," Eddie commented.
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| I was so keen on listening to what Eddie had to say that I never get round to taking his photo but hey, I'll get hime next time. |
That is not to say that the team is down or not believing in itself. Eddie continued,"I don't see anything other than this team improving and getting better as the season progresses."
Eddie realises that it won't be easy though to upset the likes of Everton. "When you watch them play as we have, they are very impressive which is no surprise under Roberto Martinez. The job he has done at Swansea and Wigan and the way he has stuck to his football plan. He is now developing that at Everton and they are an enjoyable team to watch, " added Eddie.
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| AFCB's players are in the background just finishing off their training before Eddie gave the press conference. Lee Tomlin has recovered but Pugh and Boruc won't take part in the Everton game. |
"They have a good balance of physicality and pace. I think it will be a difficult game for us. They are a dangerous opponent," Eddie concluded.
A big thanks to Max Fitzgerald for inviting me to the press conference! If things work out I'll do a feature on the Man Utd press conference in a few weeks time. Enjoy the game today everyone. I'm looking forward to this one. UTCIAD!
Other matters
Kelly Somers (@Kesomers) at the club made me aware that Mike Parry of Talk Sport is going to make good his ill judged prediction that the Cherries would not get promoted last season by donating £1000 to Julia's House before the game on the centre circle. If you would like to also support the charity which Eddie Howe is patron of why not donate yourself by buying some brilliant locally scened Christmas cards from their site - just £4 for 10.
The Newsletter will be out early as I'm travelling next week. Keep checking the blog as I'm not sure how easy it will be to post at my usual times.
Look out tomorrow for the Cherry Chimes' December Newsletter which brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month, plus there is a special Newsletter article entitled: Has Rantie missed a chance?
To sign up for the newsletter just complete the form below - like all good things it's free:
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