Cherries star Arter: Red card made me realise what I have

7:00am Friday 9th November 2012 in Latest Sport Photograph of the Author By Ian Wadley

NEW LEASE OF LIFE: Harry Arter (centre) has been Cherries' star performer in recent weeks NEW LEASE OF LIFE: Harry Arter (centre) has been Cherries' star performer in recent weeks

REJUVENATED Harry Arter has revealed that it took being sent off to make him forget off-field issues and focus firmly on football.

In a typically frank interview with the Daily Echo, Arter gave a candid insight into how he has established himself as one of Cherries’ leading stars.

The talented midfielder insisted that he felt a stronger person after overcoming some personal matters to begin fulfilling his rich potential.

He said his “defining moment” arrived when he was red-carded for the first time in his career during Cherries’ draw with Preston in August.

The 22-year-old, an exceptional performer since being restored to the Cherries starting line-up by Eddie Howe, believes the experiences of recent months helped him recognise what he needed to do.

Arter told the Daily Echo: “At the start of the season, not that I didn’t have a good start, but there were off-the-field matters that probably influenced my life a little bit too much.

“It probably just fitted in that when the gaffer came back, I had finally dealt with all my off-the-field matters.

“I always felt that I had been capable of doing what I am at the moment.

“I know I have probably had criticism from some fans and some people but that has only ever made me want to prove them wrong rather than setting me back.

“The gaffer has given me a lot of confidence. He was the one who brought me to the club and when he came in, he put me straight back in the team. I just want to repay him for that.

“It is much appreciated that the fans are saying that I am doing well and I am getting good comments from people. I am not going to get ahead of myself or anything like that, I just want to try to make it continue.”

Asked about off-field matters, Arter added: “It was a few personal reasons – nothing major – but I dealt with it in the wrong way and it took a little while for me to get over.

“Once I did, I moved back home with my family and was around the right people. I am back to normal now and I feel as good as I ever have.

“At the time, it seemed hard, but now it has made me a lot stronger and made me realise what my goal is and that is to become the best possible player I can.

“When I got sent off against Preston, it finally hit me that I needed to concentrate on my football. That was a defining moment for me and it made me realise what I had.

“Since I have come back from that, I feel that I have done really well in the games.”

Arter last month saw his form rewarded when Cherries handed him a new contract until the summer of 2015.

Comments(15)

nonnogeppetto says...
7:19am Fri 9 Nov 12

Harry if you are playing tomorrow stay away from trouble because headlines like these usually comes back to haunt you!! you are a good player so just focus on the playing skills and keep away from crunching tacles!
UTCIAD

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robman says...
7:45am Fri 9 Nov 12

It's not crunching tackles that get him into trouble, in fact I don't think I've ever seen him make one. It's his mouth, keep that shut and he'd be fine.

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lionheart says...
7:54am Fri 9 Nov 12

More like lunging tackles whilst trying to close players down and arguing against referees decisions.

Just let your football do the talking Harry.

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mark.s says...
9:12am Fri 9 Nov 12

I think we'd all rather have players who get booked for being overly passionate to the point of rashness than player who don't care, but there is a balance there somewhere which I hope Arter can find. He's certainly been excellent just recently and long may that continue. I was a big fan when he first came to the club but there have been times in the last year that I've doubted if he'd make it here, but hopefully he's going in the right direction now.

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nonnogeppetto says...
9:36am Fri 9 Nov 12

robman wrote:
It's not crunching tackles that get him into trouble, in fact I don't think I've ever seen him make one. It's his mouth, keep that shut and he'd be fine.
You are right about the 'lip' but sometimes he does go in feet first with feet as well as his lips. But I am sure he is human like the rest of us.UTCIAD

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RED LETTER DAY says...
10:47am Fri 9 Nov 12

. . Harry Arters defining moment will be his 100th booking. . . To keep getting booked for mouthing off at the ref is stupid.......... He is letting himself down and AFC BMTH.

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cmg081970 says...
1:29pm Fri 9 Nov 12

The most important thing in life is that you learn from your mistakes. Harry it seems has done just that, his last 3 performances have been impressive & long may they continue.

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cheeriedriteup says...
2:21pm Fri 9 Nov 12

robman wrote:
It's not crunching tackles that get him into trouble, in fact I don't think I've ever seen him make one. It's his mouth, keep that shut and he'd be fine.
I agree with half of your comment. His mouth gets him in trouble , but to state he doesn't make tackles might suggest that you haven't been watching his games, in particular the last game,

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bigfatsteve says...
2:38pm Fri 9 Nov 12

If we're looking for promotion to the Championship, you need a playmaker you can build your team around. Harry Arter certainly fits the bill. Eddie Howe has obviously recognised this and is using Harry in that role. I've no problem with Harry Arter getting booked now and then for getting stuck in. All he has to do now is learn to walk away after a ref gives a decision. Keep up the good work Harry!

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cheeriedriteup says...
3:43pm Fri 9 Nov 12

bigfatsteve wrote:
If we're looking for promotion to the Championship, you need a playmaker you can build your team around. Harry Arter certainly fits the bill. Eddie Howe has obviously recognised this and is using Harry in that role. I've no problem with Harry Arter getting booked now and then for getting stuck in. All he has to do now is learn to walk away after a ref gives a decision. Keep up the good work Harry!
Add David's to the midfield mix and I think we have a strong combination, Arter and David's can both distribute the ball well and switch from one side to the other- accurately! ,

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Cherryfan says...
7:02pm Fri 9 Nov 12

So Preston taught you a lesson did it, so why did you get booked against Shrewsbury for mouthing off? Sorry but this guy is going to spend extensive time suspended each and every season he plays for us.

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wookj1 says...
7:40pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Don't forget Eamon O'Kane. He is not in the picture at the moment, and it is taking him a while to settle in, but I saw him quite a few times at Torquay last season as their playmaker, and believe me this lad also has huge potential. He will prove what he can do when he gets a decent run in the team.

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West moors 1 says...
7:44pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Arter is not a prolific tackler, he runs after the ball and forces the opponents to play, good work unless he mistimes a challenge. His biggest issue is getting cheap bookings and they add up. If our team s being built around Arter, league 1 is where we will stay. However, he has played well over the last few weeks and well done to EH and JT foe getting the best from him. At the end of the season we will see if we have a talented midfielder or not and it must be said, without McDonald cleaning up, Arter would not be able to play so freely. It's good team work!! Up the cherries!!!

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hedge end bob says...
8:34pm Fri 9 Nov 12

As i only read the match reports and have not seen your boys play i cant pass a comment. I would like to wish you well against Doncaster tomorrow. I think you will at least get a draw , a win would be great and it could cut the points difference to just three with the sixth placed team. KEEP THE FAITH

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Jim_Springbourne says...
10:15am Sat 10 Nov 12

All it needs is for the nearest team-mate to get hold of Harry and march him away from the ref if he is anywhere near, and don't give him the chance to mouth off and we can lose most of these bookings...

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