Speaking on his new role at the back, Partington is quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying: "When we worked on the shape of the team on Friday, I wasn't in the starting line-up. I was on the other side, hoping to be on the bench. I had one eye on what people were doing in that position because Eddie did bring me in for a spell. He also looked at Danny Hollands and Tim Stephenson. I was delighted when I saw my name on the team-sheet. It doesn't matter where I am asked to play because I will always give 100 per cent. I've played there two or three times for the reserves and, when Eddie was here with Kevin Bond, he used to work with me in training. He always said he thought I could play centre-back. Thankfully, he showed great faith to start me there and hopefully I did well for him. First and foremost, I see myself as a midfielder. But I just want to play and, the more positions I can turn my hand to, the more I am going to play".