Cherries: Howe wouldn't swap with Robins

WHEN Eddie Howe casts his eye over Rotherhams expensively-assembled squad, he could be forgiven for suffering pangs of envy and jealously. The princes from South Yorkshire seem to have come a long way since they exited administration a year ago certainly a lot farther than the paupers from Dorset. Following contrasting seasons, both clubs heroically preserved their Football League status after successfully eroding 17-point deductions. And while Howe steered Cherries to their great escape from relegation, but for their penalty, Mark Robinss mid-table Millers would have taken their place in the play-offs. Although the tide has turned significantly, with Rotherham acquiring no fewer than six new faces, Howe says he is more than happy with his lot. Im happy with my squad and wouldnt trade it with anybody, said Howe, who was appointed on a full-time basis after Cherries had lost 1-0 against the Millers in January. It would be nice to be in their position but were not, so theres no point even thinking about it. We will do the best with what weve got. I dont think were in a bad position, I think were in a good position. In some senses, money is a great thing and they can go out and purchase players. Although its slightly more difficult for us, its a challenge. When your backs are against the wall, you can rise to the occasion. Id like to think we did that previously and can do it again. Of the six new recruits, striker Tom Pope from Crewe was Rotherhams joint record signing at £150,000, while Nicky Law (Sheffield United), Kevin Ellison (Chester), Paul Warne (Yeovil) and Andy Liddell (Oldham) all arrived on frees. And although the fee for the capture of Adam Le Fondre from Rochdale this week was reported as being undisclosed, around £100,000 is believed to have changed hands. The investment has already paid an early dividend with Rotherham following up a victory over Accrington with a Carling Cup win against Championship Derby. Howe added: I thought Mark did a fantastic job last season. To be hit with the points deduction and have the season they had was a fantastic achievement. They are rightly among the favourites to do well this season. Theyve got a really good side and have started the season positively so will be buoyant. Theyve got a lot of experience running through the side and their players certainly know the league. It is going to be a really good test for us. But we believe in ourselves and this is our first home game. I hope we get a good crowd and, hopefully, we can upset them. Howe is hoping Warren Cummings and Steve Fletcher will shake off minor knocks, while Le Fondre may have to make his Millers debut from the bench. Cherries: (from) Jalal, Bradbury, Pearce, Garry, Cummings, Feeney, Molesley, Robinson, Igoe, Fletcher, Pitman, Guyett, Goulding, McQuoid, Connell, Partington, Bartley, Webb, Tindall, Pryce. Rotherham: (from) Warrington, Tonge, Fenton, Sharps, Green, Law, Mills, J Taylor, Ellison, Warne, Pope, Le Fondre, R Taylor, Lynch, Joseph, Harrison, Nicholas, Cummins, Annerson. Click the link above to watch our preview video with Neil Moss and Shwan Jalal.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo