Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Barrett has fire in his belly
ADAM Barrett says he is relishing a new challenge with Cherries after spending a year in the doldrums at Crystal Palace.[LNB] Barrett yesterday finally completed his move from Selhurst Park when he joined Cherries for an undisclosed fee and penned a two-year deal.[LNB] The 31-year-old defender becomes boss Lee Bradbury's third summer signing, following goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan and midfielder Steven Gregory.[LNB] Barrett, who helped Southend win promotion to the Championship in 2006, was restricted to just five league starts for Palace last season.[LNB] He said: Palace was a good move for me at the time but it was a frustrating season and I didn't think I got the opportunity. It was stop-start and I never got a run of games. I would love to have played every game, but, unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.[LNB] It has been difficult getting out of Palace and the manager said he didn't want me to go but I wanted to play regular football.[LNB] There were a couple of other clubs interested but, once Lee made the approach, this was the only place I wanted to come. I've got a lot of respect for Lee and for the way the club has moved forward. There has been a lot of progress and, hopefully, I can come in and bring a bit of expereince. I'm determined to help keep the progression going.[LNB] Bournemouth were unfortunate last season and, hopefully, we will be pushing again this season. I have been there before when you have just missed out in the play-offs and it is always difficult the following season to maintain expectations. But, from the short time I have been here, I have seen the focus and determination. I can't wait to get started.[LNB] Bradbury, who played alongside Barrett at Southend, said: Adam is aggressive and very good in the air. He is a leader and somebody the lads will look up to. He knows what it takes to win this league. With Jason Pearce going, I needed to replace a leader with a leader.[LNB] He has got all the attributes and is perfect for what we need. Adam is still young enough to do a great job for us for years to come so I think we have got the perfect combination of youth and experienced heads.[LNB] Meanwhile, Bradbury was last night waiting to hear whether an improved bid for Charlton Athletic defender Simon Francis had been accepted. Cherries' first offer for the 26-year-old was rejected on Monday.[LNB] Former Grimsby Town manager Paul Groves had joined the Cherries youth department. Groves will work alongside head of youth Shaun Brooks and could have responsibility for the club's under-18s.[LNB]
