Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cummings: Cherries squad can taste success like 2003
IN-FORM defender Warren Cummings believes Cherries class of 2009 is still a work in progress but he has described the blossoming squad as having a lot of potential.
Experienced left-back Cummings has been a consistent performer in Cherries fine start to the League Two campaign.
Eddie Howes men line up against Lincoln City at Dean Court tomorrow, with only the Scot and talisman Steve Fletcher remaining from the squad that downed the Imps 5-2 in the 2003 Division Three play-off final.
Having played his part in that victory at the Millennium Stadium, Cummings thinks Cherries current crop have the right qualities to achieve success of their own.
When asked how Eddie Howes team compared with the 2003 promotion-winners, Cummings told the Echo: Its completely different.
The team we had back then was quite a special team. If you look at the amount of players playing at a higher level now, theyre all doing pretty well.
But this team has got a lot of potential. Its got players that can go further than they are at the moment, but I wouldnt want to take too much away from the team back then because it was a very good team.
This team is learning all the time. Having come through the difficulties of last season, at the moment weve taken it on this season and instead of looking at the relegation zone, were looking at a higher level now.
One of the major reasons behind Cherries fine start to the season has been their impeccable defensive record. With just three goals against and four clean sheets in six outings, a solid foundation has been laid by goalkeeper Shwan Jalal and his back four.
Cummings added: Weve worked hard and its something individually and collectively were quite proud of at the moment.
But I think we know that if youre going to be successful as a team that it starts from the back, so youre going to need to keep a lot of clean sheets and concede very little goals.
When I was at West Brom, in one season when we were promoted, I think we had about 20-odd clean sheets.
Thats the level youve got to aspire to get to and its been a positive start.
Cummings also revealed his pleasure at his own form, but then added: I dont want to become complacent because I know how quickly things can turn.
Most importantly, Im part of a team that is doing well. If I can be an individual who does well within it, thats a bonus.
