Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Pitman won't take his eye off the ball
PRIZED asset Brett Pitman is vowing to continue to give Cherries' promotion push his full focus and put mounting transfer speculation to the back of his mind.[LNB] The Jersey-born striker has thrust himself into the spotlight this season by playing a leading role in Cherries' impressive League Two campaign.[LNB] His goalscoring exploits have helped Cherries remain in the top four since the opening day and sparked rumours of a big-money move for the 21-year-old.[LNB] Pitman has been linked with several Championship and League One clubs since finally starting to realise his rich potential under boss Eddie Howe.[LNB] And sources close to the Daily Echo suggest both Huddersfield and Bristol Rovers could be poised to table bids for Pitman when the January transfer window opens.[LNB] Only last week, Pitman was reportedly an £800,000 target for Derby a story later quashed by Rams boss Nigel Clough while Plymouth and Reading are also believed to be monitoring him.[LNB] But while the rumour mill is likely to go into overdrive next month, Pitman insists his efforts will be channelled on adding to his 13-goal haul for Cherries.[LNB] He told the Daily Echo: It's nice to be linked with clubs from a higher level but it's only happening because I'm scoring goals and the team is doing well. These things go hand in hand.[LNB] I can't stop speculation and, if people want to write it, they will. If I keep scoring goals and we keep winning, I'm sure there will be more stuff written but it's out of my control.[LNB] I can only influence what I do on the pitch and I've just got to keep trying to score. The more goals I score, the more it will benefit the team.[LNB] I've played with a few lads who have moved on and I'm pleased to see them doing well. You could ask any of the young players in our changing room and they would all say they want to play at the highest level possible. I am no different.[LNB] Pitman, who penned a new three-year contract in the summer, has firmly established himself during Howe's 12 months at the helm having been utilised as a bit-part player by previous bosses.[LNB] He has bagged 24 goals in 40 league starts under Howe and has rocketed to 18th position in the club's list of all-time leading league goalscorers with 41.[LNB] Pitman will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form when Cherries host promotion rivals Notts County at Dean Court tonight (7.45pm).[LNB] We've made a good start to the season and want to press on, said Pitman. Considering everything that has gone on, I think every player in our squad would say our start has been good.[LNB] Notts County are a decent side and have spent a lot of money. A change in manager can make teams even more dangerous and I'm sure they will come out to prove a point in front of the Sky cameras.[LNB]
