Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Fry surprised by club's stance on Pitman
RENOWNED wheeler-dealer Barry Fry has admitted his surprise at Cherries' reluctance to sell star striker Brett Pitman.[LNB] The Peterborough director of football last season made overtures for the Channel Islander as he spearheaded Cherries' League Two promotion push.[LNB] But despite his enquiry in December, Fry and Posh were rebuffed before Pitman went on to net 28 goals as Cherries sealed a return to League One.[LNB] Fry, who has a reputation for unearthing talent from the lower leagues, told the Daily Echo: We like goalscorers and Brett did very well last season.[LNB] We thought Bournemouth were hard up. But, when I talked to them, they didn't want to sell.[LNB] As they had a transfer embargo and seemed to be having a few problems, I thought we might be able to do a deal. But they didn't encourage me so I left it alone.[LNB] Fry also had a hand when former Cherries boss Kevin Bond signed goalkeeper Shwan Jalal from Peterborough in 2008.[LNB] Jalal, who turns 27 tomorrow, played a key role in helping Cherries avoid the drop in his first season at Dean Court before starring during their promotion campaign.[LNB] His exploits with Cherries are in stark contrast to those with Posh where he was restricted to just eight league starts in 18 months.[LNB] I'm absolutely delighted he has done so well for Bournemouth, said Fry.[LNB] When informed Jalal would be celebrating his birthday tomorrow, Fry said: I'd like to wish him a happy birthday but I hope he has a nightmare against us![LNB]
