Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Rise of the Machine: Feature on Cherries' Pearce
WITH a swollen shiner surrounding his right eye and stitches patching-up a cut above his left, Jason Pearce's chances of a career on the catwalks of Milan and Paris appear to be over.[LNB] But while his war wounds have scuppered any prospect of a modelling job, they serve as proof positive that this young centre-half is cut out for life as Cherries' chief defensive enforcer.[LNB] The 21-year-old, who celebrates his 22nd birthday tomorrow, epitomises all that is good about the Cherries team which has been rejuvenated under the management of Eddie Howe.[LNB] Brave, tenacious and skilled on the pitch, Pearce is likeable off it, demonstrating the camaraderie that has underpinned Cherries' League Two promotion charge this season.[LNB] The likes of Brett Pitman deservedly for his goalscoring exploits have dominated the headlines, but the work of Pearce and his defensive colleagues has provided Cherries with the solid platform from which to mount a push for honours.[LNB] Speaking ahead of today's Dean Court clash against Shrewsbury and after being named PFA League Two fans' player of the month for November Pearce looks every inch the battled-hardened centre-back.[LNB] Bruises and cuts reflect recent battles against Notts County and Barnet but it's all part of the game for the tough-tackling man dubbed Terminator.[LNB] Eddie says I look like a proper defender now so I assume that's a good thing, he jokes.[LNB] I don't mind it because I put my body on the line for the team and that's what it's all about.[LNB] Boss Howe has praise for the defensive linchpin, adding: He's very, very brave because of the way he plays he'll always get a few knocks. But he doesn't moan, he just gets on with it.[LNB] Wholehearted on the pitch, Pearce's team-mates also have to watch out on the training ground, with even powerhouse targetman Steve Fletcher treading carefully.[LNB] As soon as we start training he's a bit of an animal, so the boys try to keep out of his way a little bit, but it's just the way he plays, revealed the club's record appearance-maker.[LNB] You wouldn't want to take that out of him as a defender and he's done fabulously well.[LNB] Pearce displays plenty of grit and he isn't the only one suffering a few bumps and bruises in the line of duty, with his defensive partner Ryan Garry breaking his nose in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Barnet at Underhill.[LNB] Together, the duo have established a formidable pairing at the heart of Howe's back four.[LNB] But Pearce has had to be patient for his time in the limelight. When he was plucked from Portsmouth by Kevin Bond in August 2007, the Ruislip-born player was a raw talent.[LNB] Loan stints at Bognor Regis and Woking had given him a taste of the action, but first-team football in League One was a different ball game.[LNB] However, plenty of graft has been key to a rapid rise, with Pearce's steep learning curve already yielding 95 league appearances in Cherries colours.[LNB] He is a consistent performer and his efforts earned him a clean sweep of player-of-the-season awards in April. Pearce, modest as ever, is quick to deflect praise when reflecting on that proud moment.[LNB] It was unbelievable I didn't expect it, he says.[LNB] To win every award was something that will never happen again to me and it was something to cherish.[LNB] I was a bit embarrassed at the time, but when I look back on it, it was a great honour to win every award.[LNB] I thank my parents (Andy and Kim), because it was a big moment to get to that position and I wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for them, Eddie Howe and the lads.[LNB] With Cherries in the hunt for glory, Pearce's form remains good and he is enjoying his football, and thankfully for Cherries fans, they could get to see The Terminator play plenty more starring roles in the years to come.[LNB] I signed a three-year deal with the club in the summer and I'm happy, he adds.[LNB] I'm the sort of person who wants to be part of something going in the right direction and I'd love to stay at Bournemouth as long as I can.[LNB]
