Cherries: Baudry eager to prove his worth

12 May 2011 07:00
DESPITE taking up residence near the port of Poole, Mathieu Baudry wants to drop anchor at Dean Court.[LNB] The Frenchman, who hails from across the Channel in Le Havre, is keen to avoid being remembered by Cherries supporters as a one-hit wonder.[LNB] Baudry signed a short-term deal with Cherries in January after his contract with Troyes had been cancelled by mutual consent.[LNB] And he made an inauspicious start in the English game after being thrown in at the deep end to face Exeter in March.[LNB] Baudry, a late replacement for Shaun Cooper, was given the run-around as an abject team performance ended in defeat for Cherries in Devon.[LNB] However, following a brief appearance from the bench in a 2-0 win at Notts County, Baudry sparked a dramatic comeback against Bristol Rovers last month.[LNB] A central defender by trade, he showed his versatility and starred in midfield after coming on as a 65th-minute substitute for Anton Robinson.[LNB] Baudry's headed equaliser six minutes from time was followed by an 88th-minute winner from assistant manager Steve Fletcher, a victory that proved defining in Cherries reaching the play-offs.[LNB] It was an amazing feeling, said Baudry, in an interview with the Daily Echo during the club's play-off press call.[LNB] It was fantastic to play for the first time at Dean Court.[LNB] I was sitting on the bench and feeling the frustrations of the supporters.[LNB] When I got my chance to go on, I wanted to do my best and help the team.[LNB] Since his heroics against Rovers, Baudry has been struggling with a nagging groin injury which is threatening his participation in Saturday's semi-final, first leg against Huddersfield.[LNB] And while working tirelessly on his fitness with Cherries physio Steve Hard, Baudry is continuing to adjust to living in England for the first time in his life.[LNB] I love it here, he said. I have never been involved at a club where the team spirit is so strong. The town and the club are great and the people are cool![LNB] I would like to stay. It was hard coming here when I did and I would like the chance to show what I can do during pre-season and into next season.[LNB] Baudry, who lives alone in Westbourne, added: I don't really have any hobbies.[LNB] I talk a lot with my family and like to shop and go to the beach. I watch all sports on the television.[LNB] I also like to meet up with the other players after training. I like to join them to improve my English and have a laugh.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo