Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries' Bartley: I never set out to hurt Drummond
MARVIN Bartley insisted there was no malicious intent behind the tackle that brought his 2009 action to a premature end.[LNB] Bartley was sent off two minutes before half-time during Cherries' 5-0 thumping at Morecambe on Saturday following a two-footed lunge on Shrimps midfielder Stewart Drummond.[LNB] Eddie Howe's men were already 3-0 behind when Bartley was given his marching orders by referee Steve Rushton, but the former Hampton & Richmond star maintained the challenge on Drummond was not down to frustration.[LNB] Bartley told the Echo: I haven't seen the tackle again, but everyone knows I never go out to hurt people. I go out to win the ball and from time to time I will catch the man.[LNB] I was frustrated that we were losing the game, but that had nothing to do with the challenge.[LNB] I would have made it whether we were three nil up or three |nil down I go out to win the |ball and that's just the way I play.[LNB] Saturday's red card was the first of Bartley's professional career and another blight on what has been a tough season for the former Reading youth player.[LNB] The tough-tackling midfielder has been restricted to just six league starts this term, but played his way back into Howe's thoughts with several combative displays following a series of injuries.[LNB] Bartley, though, will miss the televised home clash against Notts County on Monday, the trip to Cheltenham Town on Boxing Day and the visit of Torquay United on Monday, December 28 after Saturday's dismissal resulted in a three-match ban.[LNB] Bartley, whose current Dean Court deal expires in the summer, added: It's a massive blow to me personally. Now I've got to sit out the next three games when I just want to get out there and help the team.[LNB] The squad is small as it is and we have three games now in quick succession so it's not good for the team.[LNB] But there is nothing I can do about it now. I'll just have to stay fit and work hard until I get my chance again.[LNB] Howe's men returned to training yesterday ahead of Monday's Sky televised clash, although neither Anton Robinson (back) nor goalkeeper Shwan Jalal (calf) were involved after both men missed Saturday's clash in Lancashire.[LNB] Bartley added: Eddie rounded everyone up and he was as disappointed as the players because we are all in it together. He knows we can do better.[LNB] It just felt like everything they hit went in the goal. The keeper had no chance with any of them it was like the game at Accrington last season because everything they tried ended up in the net as well.[LNB]
