LUCKY Irishman David Forde is hoping to have the last laugh on his doubters by helping Cherries complete the final leg of the Greatest Escape.
The Cardiff City stopper has been instrumental in Cherries' recent revival after overcoming an indifferent start to his loan spell.
Forde tasted defeat three times in his first four games, with a 2-1 reverse at Gillingham in March leaving Cherries 14 points adrift of safety.
But the 28-year-old has starred during the current six-match winning run, his penalty save against Millwall last month probably his finest moment.
Forde told the Daily Echo: "When I first came here, I always had belief. My main aim was to help Bournemouth stay in League One. People told me we had no chance and I saw that as a challenge.
"After my debut at Leeds, I know some people were asking why the manager had brought me in. But I knew I could do a good job. I've been delighted with my performances in the past few weeks. I feel fitter and stronger now and that comes with getting a few games under your belt."
Forde added: "I thought we were unlucky at Leeds and should have at least got a draw. Then we lost to two penalties at Oldham and should have beaten Gillingham.
"I spoke to Eddie Howe after the Oldham game and said we probably needed 21 points to stay up. We've got the 21 and we're still not safe.
"But we haven't put ourselves under any pressure. We've just performed really well and have got what we've deserved from the games.
"I don't think other teams are looking forward to playing us at the moment. They know we are solid at the back, flying in midfield and we always look like we're going to score.
"It's going to be a very tough game at Carlisle and nobody can get too carried away. We need to bring a bit of realism to the whole situation and need to keep our feet firmly on the ground.
"It's a long way to go on a Friday and then prepare. They are still looking for automatic promotion and there should be a full house inside the ground. We've got to keep it tight, try to keep a clean sheet and look to break them down."
Forde, meanwhile, has been quoted by local bookmakers Jem Racing as a 100-1 outsider to repeat Jimmy Glass's feat at Carlisle in 1999 and score a goal.
"I remember it well and was only speaking to someone about it during the week," added Forde. "Carlisle seems to be one of those places where there's always an end-of-season moment and I wouldn't mind being Jimmy Glass this weekend!
"Hopefully it won't come to that but I would be the first one up there if it did!"
EIGHT-PAGE GREATEST ESCAPE SPECIAL IN TODAY'S ECHO.
7:00am Friday 2nd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: footyfan, salisbury on 8:17am Fri 2 May 08
just go and play like you have the last few weeks which has done us proud. thanks mate
just go and play like you have the last few weeks which has done us proud. thanks mate
Posted by: Big Rich, Ferndown on 8:23am Fri 2 May 08
Talks to the back four unlike both are current keepers. Doesnt seem to get injured unlike our current keepers. Can kick a ball unlike Moss and can save the ball unlike Stewart. Sign him up.
Talks to the back four unlike both are current keepers. Doesnt seem to get injured unlike our current keepers. Can kick a ball unlike Moss and can save the ball unlike Stewart. Sign him up.
Posted by: dragonm8, new Zealand on 9:08am Fri 2 May 08
Well done David, a clean sheet may just see us stay in League 1. Good luck.
Well done David, a clean sheet may just see us stay in League 1. Good luck.
Posted by: mossly, christchurch on 9:13am Fri 2 May 08
David- you have performed like one of our own players. Play like you have done recently. Would like to see you permantely in a Bournemouth shirt next season
David- you have performed like one of our own players. Play like you have done recently. Would like to see you permantely in a Bournemouth shirt next season
Posted by: Paul, Boscombe on 9:50am Fri 2 May 08
After a shaky start, you've played brilliantly and made a real difference - a class act, and someone we should be trying to hold on to
After a shaky start, you've played brilliantly and made a real difference - a class act, and someone we should be trying to hold on to
Posted by: GMcMahon, Highcliffe on 10:23am Fri 2 May 08
It,s no surprise that our good run has come with you between the sticks, one more clean sheet and you will have done all that you can, good luck and a big thank you for all you have done in the past few weeks.
It,s no surprise that our good run has come with you between the sticks, one more clean sheet and you will have done all that you can, good luck and a big thank you for all you have done in the past few weeks.
Posted by: stevedavies, New Forest on 1:09pm Fri 2 May 08
Good luck to you in the frozen north, after the run you've put together i do not think that anyone doubts your right to stay up.
They'll be a few Bash fans with you at the weekend cheering you on - treat them gently won't you!
Great to see the Cherries on tour flag hanging alongside ours at our play-off game in Bath on tuesday - just wish that it bought some of your recent form with it...
C'mon BASH C'mon CHERRIES
Good luck to you in the frozen north, after the run you've put together i do not think that anyone doubts your right to stay up.
They'll be a few Bash fans with you at the weekend cheering you on - treat them gently won't you!
Great to see the Cherries on tour flag hanging alongside ours at our play-off game in Bath on tuesday - just wish that it bought some of your recent form with it...
C'mon BASH C'mon CHERRIES
Posted by: nickg, canford heath on 1:15pm Fri 2 May 08
Do you think whoever comes in with Mostyn could stump up the cash to buy him ?
It's no coincedence we have looked stronger at the back with Forde in goal - the defenders know they can rely on him to work with them.
UTCIAD
Do you think whoever comes in with Mostyn could stump up the cash to buy him ?
It's no coincedence we have looked stronger at the back with Forde in goal - the defenders know they can rely on him to work with them.
UTCIAD
Posted by: Chubbs, Bmth on 1:54pm Fri 2 May 08
If Stewart had of been in goal recently, we would be already relegated IMO! Forde was a brillaint find and he has real ability and isnt frightened to shout at our defenders!
If Stewart had of been in goal recently, we would be already relegated IMO! Forde was a brillaint find and he has real ability and isnt frightened to shout at our defenders!
Posted by: GMcMahon, Highcliffe on 6:03pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]stevedavies[/bold] wrote:
Good luck to you in the frozen north, after the run you've put together i do not think that anyone doubts your right to stay up.
They'll be a few Bash fans with you at the weekend cheering you on - treat them gently won't you!
Great to see the Cherries on tour flag hanging alongside ours at our play-off game in Bath on tuesday - just wish that it bought some of your recent form with it...
C'mon BASH C'mon CHERRIES
[/quote] I think you will find the flag will be saving the form for us tomorrow. Sorry to see Bash fall at the final hurdle but they did have a good season well until the game I went to, let's hope they can go one better next time and go up as champions, oh and the cherries will stay up!!!
stevedavies wrote:
Good luck to you in the frozen north, after the run you've put together i do not think that anyone doubts your right to stay up.
They'll be a few Bash fans with you at the weekend cheering you on - treat them gently won't you!
Great to see the Cherries on tour flag hanging alongside ours at our play-off game in Bath on tuesday - just wish that it bought some of your recent form with it...
C'mon BASH C'mon CHERRIES
I think you will find the flag will be saving the form for us tomorrow. Sorry to see Bash fall at the final hurdle but they did have a good season well until the game I went to, let's hope they can go one better next time and go up as champions, oh and the cherries will stay up!!!
Posted by: flyingleaper, el segundo ca.USA on 7:35pm Fri 2 May 08
DAVE U R BEST!
Posted by: Luffbracherry, Loughborough on 11:25pm Fri 2 May 08
David Forde has added real stability and confidence to the defence - he even comes out for high balls - something that neither Moss or Stewart were happy to do
Thanks for your commitment David, you deserve one more clean sheet!
David Forde has added real stability and confidence to the defence - he even comes out for high balls - something that neither Moss or Stewart were happy to do
Thanks for your commitment David, you deserve one more clean sheet!
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