Cherries: Cummings wants to stay for life

14 August 2009 07:00
WARREN Cummings is determined to see off pretenders to his left-back crown after hinting he would like to stay at Dean Court for the rest of his career.[LNB] Cummings, who took a sizeable pay cut to sign a new deal in the summer, is back in the box-seat for the start of his eighth season with the club.[LNB] A dip in form towards the end of last season saw the Scotsman lose his place to loan star Rhoys Wiggins, having previously made the position his own.[LNB] And with Cummings the only left-back on the books, boss Eddie Howe this week put plans in place for cover when he invited Leicesters Lathaniel Rowe-Turner to train with Cherries.[LNB] However, despite the arrival of the 19-year-old, who could join Cherries on loan should their transfer embargo ever be lifted, Cummings says he would relish any battle for the shirt.[LNB] The 28-year-old is tomorrow due to make his 199th league appearance for Cherries when Howes men open their home League Two campaign against Rotherham (3pm).[LNB] He told the Daily Echo: Its helpful if there is cover for every position. From a selfish point of view, maybe you would like to be the only player for your position but its important for the squad to have adequate cover.[LNB] Its going to be a long, hard season and its inevitable that we will pick up injuries so everybody is going to be needed.[LNB] Competition adds to the squad and I probably had my best spell of last season when Rhoys was here but out injured.[LNB] Im coming up for 200 league games for Bournemouth and thats something Im proud of. Im only 28 and if Im going to be here for the rest of my career which is something Ive got in my mind Id like to at least double that.[LNB] Cummings played his part as Cherries opened their league campaign with a convincing 3-0 win at Bury six days ago and was also involved as they exited the Carling Cup at Millwall in midweek.[LNB] He added: We would have preferred another league game after the Bury win to try to keep the momentum going but were beaten by a very good Millwall team on the night.[LNB] Rotherham will be another big test. They were excellent last season and to wipe out their points deficit so soon was some achievement.[LNB] They have added to their squad and are rightly one of the favourites for the title.[LNB] Click the link above to watch our preview video with Neil Moss and Shwan Jalal.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo