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SQUAD: Kevin Bond

BOSS Kevin Bond believes Cherries' old guard could be pivotal if the club is to mount a sustained promotion challenge this season.

Bond looks set to name no fewer than four thirtysomethings in his starting line-up as Cherries open their League Two campaign against Gillingham tomorrow.

Skipper Darren Anderton, 36, and 33-year-old defender Lee Bradbury will be joined by new signings Scott Guyett and Sammy Igoe, who are both 32.

Bond said: "They all know the game and they all know their jobs. They are experienced players and good professionals. None of them take liberties and they are a good example to the younger players. That's why it's good to have them around.

"If we're going to do anything this season, we're going to need to keep them fit and well. They are all influential players and are going to be vitally important to us."

Previewing the visit of the relegated Gills, Bond said: "I know they will be fit as they didn't have much time off over the summer. As always, they will be strong.

"They will be determined to bounce back and must be one of the favourites to go straight back up. They were in the Championship not so long ago.

"The start of the season is important for everybody, especially us.

"But just because we need it and want it badly, doesn't necessarily mean to say it's going to happen. We've got to try to make it happen.

"We had a bit of momentum going at the end of last season and it would be lovely to get that again. But it doesn't just happen, it's something you've got to work hard to achieve and that's exactly what we're going to try to do.

"We're going to need a bit of luck in running as well and steering clear of injuries and suspensions will be important. But we will be doing everything we can to try to make it happen.

"I think you can play football in this division, certainly at Dean Court where we know the pitch is good and conducive to knocking the ball around.

"The teams that went up last season all played good football so I think there is room for it and we will be doing our best to play whenever possible.

"But you've got to compete as well. You've got to win your battles, both individually and collectively, and that will earn you the right to play."

New signing Joel Ward is expected to be named on the substitutes' bench after completing his season-long loan move from Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, Bond is also keeping tabs on Eastleigh winger Mark Marshall following his impressive display against Cherries in last week's friendly.

The 21-year-old Londoner, who joined Eastleigh from Grays Athletic midway through last season, trained with Bond's squad yesterday and was due back at Canford School today.

Marshall, who has a year left on his contract at Eastleigh and would probably command a nominal fee, recently had a trial spell with Swindon.

Cherries: (from) Jalal, Bradbury, Pearce, Guyett, Garry, Cummings, Igoe, Cooper, Anderton, Bartley, Pitman, Kuffour, Partington, McQuoid, Ward, Pryce.

Gillingham: (from) Royce, Fuller, Southall, King, Nutter, Crofts, Bentley, Miller, Oli, McCammon, Mulligan, Jackson, Clohessy, Hill, Richards, Lewis, Julian.

7:00am Friday 8th August 2008

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