SCUNTHORPE manager Alan Knill is tipping Cherries to “be a force” in League One next season.

The Iron, relegated from the Championship a year ago, brought down the curtain on their home campaign with a 1-1 draw against Cherries at Glanford Park on Saturday.

And while both clubs will ultimately reflect on disappointing seasons, Knill believes Cherries’ new-found riches should see them mount a challenge for honours in 2012-13.

Knill, who saw Garry Thomp-son net late on to cancel out Donal McDermott’s opener for Cherries, told the Daily Echo: “Bourne-mouth are a good side and, if I’m honest, they should be. They have signed some really good players. They are the biggest spenders in the division and I think they will be a force next season.

“Expectation levels go through the roof when you spend big. When you are reportedly paying £800,000 for a striker (Matt Tubbs) and you know some of the wages that are being paid, it does add expectation. Unfortunately, you have to live with that.

“It didn’t work out for Lee Bradbury, who I know and like, and I am hopeful it will work out for Paul Groves – but not at our expense. I always really enjoy going to Bournemouth so I hope next season will be much better for them.”

Knill added: “I thought we more than matched them and a draw was probably a fair result, although both teams will say they could have won. With their players and the money they have spent, it was good for us and really encouraging that we competed against them.”