Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Defender Ryan's relishing rivalry
RYAN Garry believes increased competition for places among Eddie Howe's new-look squad will help Cherries compete at the next level. Garry is one of no fewer than eight defenders vying for a starting berth in Cherries' League One curtain-raiser at Charlton on Saturday. It is a far cry from last season when emergency replacement Scott Guyett was drafted in for his first start for eight months in Cherries' opening-day win at Bury. The club's ongoing transfer embargo, coupled with Garry failing a late fitness test at Gigg Lane, forced Howe's hand, something he had to deal with for most of the season. However, despite being a cornerstone of Cherries' promotion campaign, Garry knows holding down a regular place could be a much tougher proposition this time round. The 26-year-old told the Daily Echo: I don't know if it's a manager's dream or a nightmare! We've got a great squad, we've added good players and there is a lot of competition for places. That can only be a good thing. Nobody is guaranteed a starting place and that's how it should be. You also know that if you are in the team and not playing as well as the manager knows you can, then he will have the option to bring in someone else. It was unfortunate that we couldn't do that last season but it was out of everyone's hands. You need that strength in depth, especially when you move up a league. Everybody wants to play but, if you're not in the team, you have to work hard in training and, hopefully, get a chance. When you do, you've got to make sure the shirt stays yours. We've got fierce competition in defence and our midfield is packed out as well. And once everyone is fit in the striker's department, it will be the same there. Whoever plays will get the best wishes from everyone because we are not a squad that is against each other. Competition is what brings everyone's game on another notch. Garry sat out last week's defeat by Portsmouth as a precaution but returned when Cherries completed their annual series of pre-season friendlies at Dorchester on Saturday. He added: Most of the squad are there in terms of fitness. We've had a few people, including myself, who have missed three or four days here and there so you want to top up on your fitness because you know you've missed some days. The only way you are going to get that is by working hard and playing games. Most of the squad are there and I think that has shown in the games because we've looked very strong all the way to the end. There is a lot of optimism and everyone is looking forward to it. We did well last season but that has gone now. League One is a hard league with some big clubs in there but we're there on merit. We've got to kick on from last season and give a good account of ourselves.