Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Cup still hugely important to Howe
SOME say one of the jewels in English football's crown is losing its sparkle but try telling that to Cherries.[LNB] The days of families gathering around the television set to watch the FA Cup may be all but over.[LNB] And with some top-flight clubs appearing to prioritise the pursuit of continental glory over success in the famous domestic knockout showpiece, some of the magic has been lost.[LNB] But while it may not carry quite the same weight in the upper echelons these days, there can be no doubting the importance lower league outfits place on the competition.[LNB] League football may be the bread and butter, but nothing captures the imagination like an FA Cup run.[LNB] The financial benefits are potentially huge, but it is the opportunity to pit their wits against some of the biggest stars in the land which provides much of the inspiration for the players who begin the journey this weekend.[LNB] Cherries are no different and boss Eddie Howe is a big fan of the cup.[LNB] I think it's important every year, he said, speaking ahead of training at Canford School yesterday morning.[LNB] People make a lot of the financial rewards for a good cup run. We don't look at it like that, we're just looking at it from, I suppose, an old romantic's point of view.[LNB] We'd love to go on a run and upset a few people and go as far as we can.[LNB] The early rounds are very difficult the first two. If you can get through those, that's when the excitement really starts.[LNB] From our point of view, it's just as important as it always was. I think it's a great competition.[LNB] It's changed slightly for the top clubs now and I think their priorities have shifted somewhat. But ours are the same and, if you ask any player involved in this football club, they'd love to take on a Premier League team down the line. That's always the carrot.[LNB] Standing between Cherries and progression to the second round are third tier rivals Tranmere.[LNB] Howe's men recorded an impressive 3-0 win at Prenton Park back in August, but the Cherries boss does not believe that result carries much relevance to tomorrow's showdown.[LNB] I think it's a different game, he said. They've brought in three or four new players since we played them so they are a different side.[LNB] It's nice from a confidence point of view to know that we've beaten them, but it will be difficult. I think they've improved since we played them.[LNB]
