Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Fry surprised by club's stance on Pitman
RENOWNED wheeler-dealer Barry Fry has admitted his surprise at Cherries' reluctance to sell star striker Brett Pitman. The Peterborough director of football last season made overtures for the Channel Islander as he spearheaded Cherries' League Two promotion push. But despite his enquiry in December, Fry and Posh were rebuffed before Pitman went on to net 28 goals as Cherries sealed a return to League One. Fry, who has a reputation for unearthing talent from the lower leagues, told the Daily Echo: We like goalscorers and Brett did very well last season. We thought Bournemouth were hard up. But, when I talked to them, they didn't want to sell. As they had a transfer embargo and seemed to be having a few problems, I thought we might be able to do a deal. But they didn't encourage me so I left it alone. Fry also had a hand when former Cherries boss Kevin Bond signed goalkeeper Shwan Jalal from Peterborough in 2008. Jalal, who turns 27 tomorrow, played a key role in helping Cherries avoid the drop in his first season at Dean Court before starring during their promotion campaign. His exploits with Cherries are in stark contrast to those with Posh where he was restricted to just eight league starts in 18 months. I'm absolutely delighted he has done so well for Bournemouth, said Fry. When informed Jalal would be celebrating his birthday tomorrow, Fry said: I'd like to wish him a happy birthday but I hope he has a nightmare against us!