Monday, April 12, 2010

Preview: Bournemouth vs Bulls

The Bulls travel down to the south coast on Tuesday to visit Dean Court for the first time in 28 years.

With the two clubs missing each other on their ups and downs through the League structure in recent seasons, the meeting at Edgar Street in September was the first since the 1981/2 season. That season, much like this, the Cherries were fighting for promotion from the basement division and 21 points clear of the Bulls. By the time the Bulls visited in mid-May 1982, the Cherries were already promoted and the two sides played out a 1-1 draw. The Bulls haven't won at Dean Court in any of their eight League and Cup trips.

The Cherries are hoping to limp over the promotion line before their ramshackle squad finally disintegrates. Like some kind of budget A-Team boss Eddie Howe has been welding a starting XI out of a collection of knackered spare parts for the best part of the season, with strikers fitted into full back roles, a retired assistant boss called back into action, and a string of barely fit footballers fielded to make up the numbers. They have used just 25 players this term thanks to their transfer embargo, with 21 goal striker Brett Pitman playing in all 41 League games.

The Bulls are all but mathematically safe, with no side being relegated with 50 points since the second relegation spot was brought in. The mathematics will be passed if the Bulls gain a draw or Grimsby fail to win, leaving the only things to play for being new contract and professional pride. With no manager in place for next season, and no apparent desire to make a swift appointment, no-one is quite sure who they need to impress for a new deal. Marc Pugh spoke at the weekend about wanting a new deal with the club, as have some others, but they may have to play the usual last-minute waiting game before knowing their futures.

AFC Bournemouth vs Hereford United, Dean Court, Tuesday 13th April, 7.45pm.