Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Howe wouldn't swap with Robins
WHEN Eddie Howe casts his eye over Rotherhams expensively-assembled squad, he could be forgiven for suffering pangs of envy and jealously.[LNB] The princes from South Yorkshire seem to have come a long way since they exited administration a year ago certainly a lot farther than the paupers from Dorset.[LNB] Following contrasting seasons, both clubs heroically preserved their Football League status after successfully eroding 17-point deductions.[LNB] And while Howe steered Cherries to their great escape from relegation, but for their penalty, Mark Robinss mid-table Millers would have taken their place in the play-offs.[LNB] Although the tide has turned significantly, with Rotherham acquiring no fewer than six new faces, Howe says he is more than happy with his lot.[LNB] Im happy with my squad and wouldnt trade it with anybody, said Howe, who was appointed on a full-time basis after Cherries had lost 1-0 against the Millers in January.[LNB] It would be nice to be in their position but were not, so theres no point even thinking about it. We will do the best with what weve got. I dont think were in a bad position, I think were in a good position.[LNB] In some senses, money is a great thing and they can go out and purchase players. Although its slightly more difficult for us, its a challenge.[LNB] When your backs are against the wall, you can rise to the occasion. Id like to think we did that previously and can do it again.[LNB] Of the six new recruits, striker Tom Pope from Crewe was Rotherhams joint record signing at £150,000, while Nicky Law (Sheffield United), Kevin Ellison (Chester), Paul Warne (Yeovil) and Andy Liddell (Oldham) all arrived on frees.[LNB] And although the fee for the capture of Adam Le Fondre from Rochdale this week was reported as being undisclosed, around £100,000 is believed to have changed hands.[LNB] The investment has already paid an early dividend with Rotherham following up a victory over Accrington with a Carling Cup win against Championship Derby.[LNB] Howe added: I thought Mark did a fantastic job last season. To be hit with the points deduction and have the season they had was a fantastic achievement.[LNB] They are rightly among the favourites to do well this season. Theyve got a really good side and have started the season positively so will be buoyant.[LNB] Theyve got a lot of experience running through the side and their players certainly know the league. It is going to be a really good test for us.[LNB] But we believe in ourselves and this is our first home game. I hope we get a good crowd and, hopefully, we can upset them.[LNB] Howe is hoping Warren Cummings and Steve Fletcher will shake off minor knocks, while Le Fondre may have to make his Millers debut from the bench.[LNB] Cherries: (from) Jalal, Bradbury, Pearce, Garry, Cummings, Feeney, Molesley, Robinson, Igoe, Fletcher, Pitman, Guyett, Goulding, McQuoid, Connell, Partington, Bartley, Webb, Tindall, Pryce.[LNB] Rotherham: (from) Warrington, Tonge, Fenton, Sharps, Green, Law, Mills, J Taylor, Ellison, Warne, Pope, Le Fondre, R Taylor, Lynch, Joseph, Harrison, Nicholas, Cummins, Annerson.[LNB] Click the link above to watch our preview video with Neil Moss and Shwan Jalal.[LNB]
