Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Wimborne's Roast: Cherries clash is whole new level
PAUL Roast turned out against a youthful Arsenal side five years ago but reckons tonight's clash against Cherries is a whole new level for Wimborne Town.[LNB] The Magpies club captain lines up in his testimonial match against Lee Bradbury's League One outfit tonight, after 11 years and nearly 400 appearances for the Cuthbury club.[LNB] And despite facing the likes of former Gunners Fabrice Muamba and Anthony Stokes in a 2006 friendly, defender Roast is even more excited about pitting his wits against the likes of Danny Ings and Cherries legend Steve Fletcher at Cuthbury tonight (7.45pm).[LNB] Roast told the Echo: I'm really touched with all the effort which has gone into arranging my testimonial. I have so many people to thank.[LNB] The night is not just about me, but is a great event for the club and I'm massively looking forward to the fixture as Bournemouth have some really talented players.[LNB] The biggest side I have ever faced was a young Arsenal team back in 2006 which included the likes of Muamba and Stokes, but tonight's derby is a whole new level.[LNB] If I came up against man mountain Steve Fletcher, who is an all time Cherries legend, it would be very interesting![LNB] Despite the friendly nature of the clash, Roast, now player-assistant manager at Cuthbury, believes the new-look Magpies squad will be taking their chance to impress new boss Steve Cuss ahead of the new Southern League campaign.[LNB] The 33-year-old added: Even though it is a friendly, there is a bit of pressure on us to perform as we have built a new squad and everyone wants to impress the boss.[LNB] There is extreme competition for places as everyone wants to bag themselves a shirt come the opening day of the season. We will put our strongest side out tonight and we want to put up a good fight against Bournemouth.[LNB] It would be unbelievable if we could beat Poole Town's attendance last week and, fingers crossed, the match will become an annual fixture.[LNB] Roast, meanwhile, confessed that if it weren't for the arrival of Cuss, he would have hung up his boots by now.[LNB] He added: I decided at the end of last season that I would knock my career on the head but when Steve Cuss arrived at the club, he offered me a great opportunity I couldn't turn down.[LNB]
