Cherries: Pugh pleased with team's pre-season form

30 July 2010 07:00
MARC Pugh believes Cherries' impressive pre-season form will stand them in good stead for another fast start to their league campaign.[LNB] Pugh has turned in a series of eye-catching displays as Eddie Howe's men have matched Premier League and Championship opposition during their warm-up friendlies.[LNB] The 23-year-old attacking midfielder, a summer signing from Hereford, has showcased his talents, predominately on the left flank, and has looked an excellent acquisition.[LNB] Pugh will be hoping to have done enough to have played his way into the Cherries starting line-up for their League One curtain-raiser at Charlton Athletic a week tomorrow.[LNB] The Lancastrian checked Cherries' flying start to last season when he netted twice for Hereford in a 2-1 win at Edgar Street after Howe's side had won eight of their opening nine games in League Two.[LNB] Pugh told the Daily Echo: We have been really pleased with the way we have been performing in pre-season and, if we keep it up, I think the results will come.[LNB] We proved against Derby and Portsmouth that, if we get in amongst them, we can live with teams from the Championship and can go into the game against Charlton full of confidence.[LNB] I thought we played some great stuff against Portsmouth and the manager was chuffed with the way we played, especially in the second half.[LNB] Despite his impressive showings, Pugh knows there is no guarantee he will get the nod for Cherries' opener at the Valley, particularly as Howe is blessed with options in midfield.[LNB] There are no certainties in football, said Pugh. You have got to impress in training every day and in the games.[LNB] Competition is great. You have got to perform and impress in every game and, if you do, you will play week in, week out. It is important to have everyone on top of his game.[LNB] We have played a few times with a lone striker and, if the midfield get up to support him, I don't see why we can't score a lot of goals. We have had lots of chances in pre-season and we need to get people in the box to put them away.[LNB] There is going to be a big crowd against Charlton and we have got to impress. The manager has brought in a few players and everyone has settled in well and we have gelled.[LNB] For me, it is a big step from last season when I was playing away at Accrington Stanley. Charlton and Southampton are both big clubs and have been in the Premier League in the past few years.[LNB] We have got nothing to lose and have just got to play with confidence and belief. It is important we pick up points in the early games of the season and then we can push on from there.[LNB] Every minute of pre-season has been a joy. It has been tough but all the lads are raring to go and, hopefully, we can start well and give a good account of ourselves at Charlton.[LNB] Pugh is expected to feature when Cherries complete their pre-season friendly fixtures at Dorchester tomorrow (3pm).[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo