Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Kuffour backs Cherries' firepower
LEAGUE One hotshot Jo Kuffour believes Cherries have the firepower to succeed in the third tier.[LNB] The former Dean Court frontman has netted 25 league goals since leaving Dorset for Bristol Rovers in an £80,000 move two years ago.[LNB] Contracted to the Pirates, Kuffour looks set to lock horns with some familiar faces next term after Eddie Howe's men secured an against-all-odds promotion.[LNB] And while the higher level will provide Cherries with a stern test particularly given the lofty status of some of the opposing clubs Kuffour thinks his former club will fare well.[LNB] The ex-Arsenal trainee says past experiences within Howe's squad will mean the new league holds few surprises for many of them.[LNB] Giving his views on what Cherries could expect, seasoned League One campaigner Kuffour told the Echo: The league is the same as it was when Bournemouth were in it. It was just unfortunate that we had to go into administration then we went down.[LNB] Most of the players have played in League One already so I'm sure they will know what to expect.[LNB] The frontman, who hit 12 league goals in his year with Cherries after being signed by Kevin Bond, backed his counterparts to do the job in front of goal.[LNB] I don't know what it's like in League Two because I haven't played there for so long, but there are good defenders in League One, he said.[LNB] But with the strikers Bournemouth have got, I don't think they will have a problem scoring goals.[LNB] Highly-rated forward Brett Pitman is the man most likely to carry Cherries' main goal threat and Kuffour revealed he always felt the Jerseyman would make a name for himself.[LNB] Kuffour starred as Cherries came agonisingly close to completing the Greatest Escape last time they were in the division, following a 10-point deduction for going into administration.[LNB] The 28-year-old still keeps a close eye on the Dorset outfit and he was delighted to see them escape the basement division to climb back up the English football ladder.[LNB] He added: I follow all the teams that I've played for.[LNB] I was pleased for all the lads that are still there, especially Eddie Howe as well.[LNB] Eddie was sound with me. I knew he'd go on to be a manager but not so early. He was thrown in (as manager) and has done tremendously. He was the manager of the year for me.[LNB]
