Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Austin: Six weeks with Cherries made my career
GRATEFUL Charlie Austin has expressed his thanks to Cherries and admits his time at Dean Court played a major role in his fairytale rise.[LNB] The Swindon Town striker will today line up against some familiar faces when he takes |on his former suitors for the first time since he enjoyed a six-week stint with Eddie Howe's men.[LNB] Austin, during his time with Poole Town, was handed an extended trial after Cherries' head of community sports trust Steve Cuss, Dolphins' first team coach, recommended him to boss Howe.[LNB] The Wessex League goalscoring phenomenon trained and played in friendly and reserve fixtures for the Dorset outfit, but the club's transfer embargo put paid to any hopes of a permanent deal.[LNB] Swindon pounced to secure Austin's services and he has gone on to build a big reputation on the back of a prolific net-busting spree.[LNB] But Austin has not forgotten his time with Cherries and believes he would not have enjoyed such success without it.[LNB] Speaking ahead of this afternoon's meeting at the County Ground (3pm), he told the Echo: Those six weeks were a massive boost for me.[LNB] I've always said to my family and friends that, if I hadn't gone to Bournemouth and wasn't there for those six weeks, I don't honestly think I would have made it at Swindon, because I had the fitness from when I was there.[LNB] I just needed that coaching and it has improved my all-round game completely in the past 18 months.[LNB] I owe massive thanks to Steve Cuss for getting me in there and I thank Eddie and Jason for the six weeks and the hard work they put into me.[LNB] Unfortunately, with the transfer embargo, I couldn't sign there. I got lucky when Swindon came knocking.[LNB] Austin, whose goalscoring exploits have made him one of the most sought-after players outside the top flight, describes his rise from non-league hotshot to professional marksman as a whirlwind.[LNB] I've done a lot of hard work through these 18 months (at Swindon) and worked on all areas of my game, said the frontman, whose family live in Westbourne.[LNB] You just want to work hard for the team and, if you score, it's a massive bonus.[LNB] It's amazing to think that I've gone from what I was doing two years ago to what I'm actually doing now and to think that it's all happened so fast. Long may it continue.[LNB] In 57 appearances for Poole Town, Austin earned legendary status and elevation to the professional ranks by scoring a remarkable 64 goals.[LNB] ¢ Cherries' League One home clash against Sheffield Wednesday has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 1.[LNB]
