Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Jalal not a fan of new league ball
Cherries' star stopper Shwan Jalal believes the Football League's new matchball has removed the art of goalkeeping. Hailed by Mitre as the world's most advanced football, the Tensile will be used in all Football League and Scottish Premier League matches this season. Jalal and his team-mates have been getting accustomed to the new ball in training and also during Cherries' pre-season friendly campaign. Midfielder Anton Robinson, the first Cherries player to score with the new ball, said he felt it would be a nightmare for goalkeepers following his long-range strike against Fulham. Jalal, who works under goalkeeping coach Neil Moss, was put to the test by swerving efforts from Tommy Smith and David Nugent during Cherries' 1-0 defeat by Portsmouth and passed with flying colours on both occasions. The 26-year-old told the Daily Echo: I'm getting used to it. I have worked hard with Mossy and we have spoken about it. The key is that you have got to stand your ground, wait for the ball to move and then make your decision. A lot of keepers are going to be caught out if they go too early. Unfortunately, I think it takes out the art of goalkeeping. Nick Crook, marketing manager for Mitre, said: We are very proud of the Tensile and the innovation and technology used to create the ball underlies what Mitre has been associated with for nearly 200 years. The Tensile is a players' ball, uses the very latest technology and we have no doubt it will add to the excitement and spectacle of the new season and, hopefully, more goals!.