BIG-money signing Matt Tubbs is aiming to become a local hero with Cherries – but admits he first has to prove his worth at Seward Stadium.

Tubbs is eager to get the chance to impress the Cherries faithful in tomorrow’s clash against Exeter City.

Although the prolific striker says he does not expect to go straight into Lee Bradbury’s team, he is a hot favourite to partner Wes Thomas in attack in the League One showdown.

Cherries fans will be hoping Tubbs can live up to his big billing after the Verwood-raised frontman joined from Crawley Town in a club record transfer on Monday – with the undisclosed package believed to have been worth up to £800,000.

Despite the faith shown in him by the hefty price tag, Tubbs is prepared to have to earn his place in Cherries’ first-choice line-up.

The 27-year-old told the Daily Echo: “I am not expecting to go straight into the team.

“I have only just arrived so I know I have got to prove my worth – and that only comes with training and playing games.

“The gaffer will hopefully give me the chance – sooner rather than later – to prove what I can do.”

Tubbs, who penned a three-and-a-half year contract when he joined Cherries for the fourth time in his career, earned his latest Dean Court call after scoring 58 goals in 80 appearances for Crawley.

It was a dream move for the local lad, who intends to move back to the area where he grew up and where his friends and family still live.

Asked about the possibility of making his debut as a permanent Cherries player, the former Salisbury City star said: “Any player who moves clubs wants to try to impress everyone on their debut.

“Fingers crossed, I will be in the mix. Hopefully, I can get a goal or to even play would be great.”

Tubbs joins a list of strikers available to boss Bradbury which also includes Steve Fletcher, Lyle Taylor and Jayden Stockley, who are all vying for a place alongside Thomas.

Speaking before Michael Symes was loaned to Rochdale, Tubbs added: “I am a strong believer that competition is good because it makes you train better and makes you want to play better.

“It only brings out the best in you.

“With a good crop of forwards like the ones we have got now, everyone is going to be busting a gut to try to get in the starting 11.

“It is going to be an interesting last few months of the season to see who the manager goes with.

“But all I can hope is we are fighting towards the top end of the table.”