Goulding welcomes rivalry (From Thisisdorset)

Goulding welcomes rivalry

7:00am Saturday 15th November 2008

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AS Jimmy Quinn attempts to add more firepower to his Cherries squad, one player who could suffer because of any new signings has welcomed the increased competition for places.

The man with this refreshing attitude is Jeff Goulding, the big forward recruited from non-league.

Rather than worry about the battle for a starting spot with the likes of Michael Symes, who was brought in on loan from Shrewsbury Town on Thursday, Goulding thinks Quinn’s squad strengthening can only be positive for the team.

“We’re in that industry where we are going to come up against other players and you need that, especially at a league club,” Goulding told the Echo.

“All the strikers have heard that people are coming in.

“It makes you want to really work hard, get a chance and take it.

“It’s healthy for the team and we need all the goals we can get at the minute.”

Goulding looked set to replace suspended forward Lee Bradbury in the Cherries attack at Accrington Stanley this afternoon (3pm), but he could now miss out after the arrival of Symes.

Symes, 25, is hoping to make an immediate impact if handed his Cherries debut at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.

Speaking to the Echo yesterday prior to meeting up with his new team-mates at their hotel, he said: “I’ve come on a couple of times this season and got goals.

“Hopefully I can start a couple and score a couple of goals.”

The former Everton youth player added: “I will work hard and I’m decent in the air and on the floor.

“Hopefully I can score some goals if I get the chance to put them away.”

The one-month signing of Symes ended Quinn’s long search for a new frontman after Cherries had been linked with a host of other forwards including Crewe’s Anthony Elding and Weymouth striker Stuart Beavon.

If Symes is not thrown straight into the starting line-up, Goulding should feature.

And the ex-Fisher Athletic star revealed he was fit and ready to go after recovering from a couple of slight injury problems and settling in to life in Dorset.

“I feel fit and I’m getting stronger,” said Goulding.

“It’s starting to feel more like home. It was hard to come down not knowing anyone but my girlfriend is here now, we’ve settled in and I’m really enjoying it.”

Goulding began his Cherries career with a debut goal against Bristol Rovers and he added to his account in the impressive 3-1 win at Bradford City.

But regular games and goals have been hard to come by for the 24-year-old since then.

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