Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Pitman a massive loss says Howe
Cherries boss Eddie Howe has tasked his players with rising to another challenge following the departure of talismanic striker Brett Pitman.[LNB] Howe's men turned on the style and started life after Pitman with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over League One rivals Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.[LNB] Pitman missed the Prenton Park showdown in anticipation of completing his move to Championship outfit Bristol City today.[LNB] In his absence, goals from Josh McQuoid and Marc Pugh, coupled with a Michael Symes penalty, saw Cherries win on the Wirral for the first time since 1981.[LNB] Howe said: We're disappointed to lose Brett. Anyone who has watched us over the past year-and-a-half would have seen what a good player and excellent finisher he is. We're going to miss him immensely because he has been core to our plans.[LNB] But it's a great opportunity for him to test himself at a higher level and we wish him all the best. I hope he goes there and carries on the form that he has shown here.[LNB] I think you can cope without any one individual and no individual is bigger than the team. But it's a huge loss for us, there is no getting away from it. I'm not going to lie and say we won't miss him because we will.[LNB] We've got a great group of professionals. They have had many setbacks in the past and have always dealt with them. They will see this as another challenge to build another team that can compete in the league. It's not the end. Hopefully, it's still the beginning.[LNB] Discussing Cherries' display at Tranmere, Howe added: It was a good performance. I was delighted with the first half and thought we were a real threat in behind. Josh McQuoid came in and really took his opportunity.[LNB] I was really pleased he scored because he worked really hard during pre-season and is improving all the time. I felt with his pace and attributes it would suit how we played and I was delighted for him.[LNB] I was pleased Michael got his first goal for the club, I think that's important.[LNB] He took his penalty really well and I thought his all-round game was good as well. I thought Michael and Josh played well together.[LNB] We had a specific game-plan and the lads executed it excellently. I didn't think the scoreline was unfair, especially in the first half. The second half was a little scrappy but there is no need to be picky.[LNB] I was pleased with a 3-0 win at Tranmere. It's a tough place to come and our record has been poor here recently.[LNB]
