Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Howe disappointed by reserve withdrawals
Cherries boss Eddie Howe has expressed his disappointment at the decision of both Southampton and Bristol City to withdraw from the Football Combination.[LNB] However, despite ruing the loss of two of the stronger teams in the Wales and West Division, Howe says Cherries have no immediate plans to follow suit.[LNB] The proposed make up of the Combination next season will see Cherries lock horns with Exeter, Forest Green Rovers, Plymouth, Salisbury, Swindon, Torquay and Swansea.[LNB] Neither Southampton nor Bristol City applied to retain their respective memberships, although the final constitution will be ratified at the Combination's annual general meeting later this month.[LNB] Howe told the Daily Echo: We were really disappointed to hear that we will be losing some of the top teams from the division next season.[LNB] From our point of view, it will be a real shame because Southampton and Bristol City were really attractive fixtures, even at reserve level, so we will be sad to lose them.[LNB] The better players our lads can play against, especially the younger ones, the more they are going to progress, so it is a blow.[LNB] It was difficult for us last season because of the transfer embargo.[LNB] It made it difficult for us to field strong teams because we didn't want to risk injury to our first-team players. We should be able to name more competitive sides next season so the games should be better.[LNB]
