3:52pm Thursday 20th November 2008
By Mike Turner
SALISBURY City striker Matt Tubbs is expected to complete his move to Coca-Cola League Two side AFC Bournemouth later today.
Journal Sport understands that the marksman, who has netted more than 100 goals for the Whites, will initially join the Cherries on loan with the possibility of making the move permanent during the forthcoming transfer window.
Tubbs, who was on Bournemouth's books as a youngster, after being released by Bolton Wanderers, joined City in October 2003 from Dorchester Town.
His goals aided the club's rapid rise through the non-league ranks - his pairing with Paul Sales proving particularly menacing.
Tubbs' tally has lifted him into the club's all time top ten goalscorers list.
Always one for the big occasion, Tubbs hit the national headlines after netting Salisbury's equaliser in the televised FA Cup second round tie with Nottingham Forest, and then scored the memorable winner against Braintree Town in the Conference South play-off final.
The striker scored against Bournemouth in Monday night's friendly at the Fitness First Stadium which Salisbury won 4-1.
Whites boss Nick Holmes this afternoon confirmed the deal was set to be concluded. "Matt will be joining Bournemouth on loan up until the transfer window. We'll have to see what happens then."
Holmes stated the club would require a fee for the player should any deal be made permanent.
The Verwood-based player still has a year and a half of his contract with the Whites to run.
City's financial plight has already seen them loan out Robbie Matthews (to Havant & Waterlooville) and Andy Sandell (to Aldershot) while Liam Feeney is close to signing a deal that will take him to Dagenham & Redbridge.
Scott Bartlett, Aaron Cook and Matt Robinson are also on the transfer list, although Holmes has reiterated that he would have no hesitation in naming any player who had not yet completed a move, in his side for the Blue Square Premier match on Saturday at home with Northwich Victoria, ironically one of a number of clubs who are believed to have been interested in signing Tubbs.
Journal Sport understands that Bournemouth are hoping to complete the loan deal promptly to enable the striker to play some part in tomorrow night's match with Grimsby Town.
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