Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries boss Bradbury: I got it wrong
LEE Bradbury is adamant a harsh lesson in the timing of substitutions paid dividends as Cherries held on for victory at Walsall.[LNB] Boss Bradbury made three second-half changes as Cherries successfully defended Michael Symes's 52nd-minute goal to claim a 1-0 win at Bescot Stadium.[LNB] It came just a week after Cherries had surrendered a lead against Leyton Orient, with Bradbury openly admitting he had left his substitutions too late.[LNB] Assistant boss Steve Fletcher, a 78th-minute replacement for Symes, was immense as Cherries defended like Trojans during the closing stages at Walsall.[LNB] Bradbury had received criticism from some quarters for unleashing Fletcher against Orient after the visitors had scored a dramatic 90th-minute leveller.[LNB] I am not pretending I know everything straight away, said Bradbury, in a candid interview with the Daily Echo. I am new to this and am learning as much as the next new manager.[LNB] Looking back, we were angry with ourselves against Orient because we should have brought on Fletch earlier. It is something you learn from and we changed it sooner against Walsall.[LNB] I have learned to go with my instincts and to trust myself. It is one of those things and I am sure I will have plenty more learning curves to come.[LNB] Bradbury extended to six games his unbeaten start as Cherries manager with striker Symes continuing to flourish since returning from a frustrating and injury-ravaged four-month spell under previous boss Eddie Howe.[LNB] I spoke to the whole group after Eddie had left and said whatever had gone on before, everybody started with a clean slate, said Bradbury. Symesey seems to have taken that on board and has been excellent.[LNB] The tempo was set in training on Friday. The lads were different class and it was the best I had seen them train, in general, since I have been at the club. Symesey was on fire and it was fitting he should score the winner at Walsall.[LNB] He holds up the ball well and brings other people into play. He is an aerial threat and has two good feet. He is going to be a massive player for us between now and the end of the season.[LNB] He came over to celebrate with us after he had scored the goal. I think he was just thanking us for the belief we have shown in him. He is repaying us 10-fold and, hopefully, he can do it a few more times this season.[LNB]
