Cherries: Rofe realistic over future under new boss (From Bournemouth Echo)

Cherries: Rofe realistic over future under new boss

6:18pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport By Neil Perrett

CARETAKER CHARGE: Dennis Rofe

DENNIS Rofe says the identity of Paul Groves’s successor is of no concern to him but knows his days could be numbered under a new manager.

Rofe, who was brought in by Groves in the summer, has taken charge of team affairs on a caretaker basis and will again direct operations when Cherries host Leyton Orient on Saturday (3pm).

The 62-year-old, asked whether the search for Groves’s replacement had been a distraction to the players this week, said: “When we get on the training ground, all those things vanish.

“The players may be wondering who the next manager is going to be and I am sure they are. I can truthfully say it doesn’t concern me. I just do what I think I am good at and that is to prepare them for the game. I have been in football a long time and, whatever happens, will happen. It is no good worrying about it.

“I had a conversation with the chairman and he said that, regardless of whether a new manager is or isn’t appointed, I will be taking the game on Saturday. If someone were to be appointed today or tomorrow, he wouldn’t have time to get across his own ideas and may want to watch the game.

“I think it has been documented that the chairman wishes to take his time with this appointment, which is his prerogative.”

Asked about his own position, Rofe said: “That will be for people to decide when they come in. I am well aware that, when new managers come in, they might want to bring in their own staff. As an existing member of staff, I may or may not be part of that. Whatever happens, what I would say is treat people correctly. I have been in football long enough to know how the game works so will just keep working and, hopefully, will continue to do so in the future. If not, so be it.”

Rofe presided over a 1-0 defeat at Coventry on Saturday as Cherries slipped into the League One relegation zone. Asked whether the new man would step into a no-lose situation, he replied: “I suppose it is better to come in thinking you can get a team up the table rather than come in when a team is at the top because you could do slightly worse.

“Whoever comes in will inherit a decent bunch of players. I know results have not mirrored that statement but I am convinced there is enough talent in this club to get the team up the league.”