Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Jalal's first taste of third-tier football
Cherries star Shwan Jalal says he is determined to prove himself in League One as he prepares to embark on a journey into the unknown.[LNB] Jalal looks certain to start when Cherries open their campaign at Charlton a week today in what would be his first taste of action in the third flight.[LNB] A mainstay of last season's promotion, the dependable goalkeeper kept no fewer than 19 clean sheets and conceded only 39 goals in 44 league starts.[LNB] Cherries' elevation has given Jalal an opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage, something he has craved since joining the pro ranks with Spurs in 2001.[LNB] Now 26, Jalal failed to break into the first team at White Hart Lane before enduring a tough baptism in League Two with Peterborough after signing from Woking in 2007.[LNB] Jalal, who made eight league starts for Posh before losing his place, told the Daily Echo: Unfortunately, it didn't work out for me there. But, in a way, I'm glad it brought me to Bournemouth where I have achieved what I have.[LNB] My first season in the league with Peterborough didn't go as well as I would have wanted. I came to Bournemouth and we avoided relegation in my first season and then won promotion last season.[LNB] I feel I have matured as a player here and, maybe at Peterborough, it all came a bit too soon for me. But it was experience I needed and, thankfully, I brought it here.[LNB] I am hungry to prove to people that I can play at this level and am really enthused about the new season. This is a fantastic club and I have got some great people looking out for me. Mossy (Neil Moss, Cherries' goalkeeping coach) is first class and I can't praise Eddie and Jason enough.[LNB] Jalal has continued to catch the eye by turning in a succession of impressive displays against higher level opposition during Cherries' pre-season campaign.[LNB] I am happy with how I have done, he said: A couple of goals could have been avoided but it's pre-season and is good to get those things out of the way.[LNB] I think everybody has performed well and everybody has had a lot of game-time. Unfortunately, the result went against us against Portsmouth but I thought we showed everybody we could play. We have got nothing to fear this season and can go to Charlton really confident.[LNB] We are stepping up a level and the boys have taken on board how Eddie and Jason want us to play this season.[LNB] It is going to be fantastic. As a player, you want to perform at places like the Valley and St Mary's week in, week out. Everybody is champing at the bit and eager for the first game of the season to come round.[LNB]
