Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Bradbury hails his 'brilliant' first days
CHERRIES caretaker boss Lee Bradbury admitted his first week in management would live long in the memory.[LNB] Bradbury, appointed following the departure of Eddie Howe, was the toast of Dean Court after plotting the downfall of League One leaders Brighton on Saturday.[LNB] The 35-year-old took charge for the first time for the midweek draw at Rochdale, with victory over the Seagulls taking Cherries into the second automatic promotion berth.[LNB] It has been a brilliant week, said Bradbury. It has been harder than I thought it would be but I have enjoyed every minute of it.[LNB] The lads have been really at it in training and have been different class in the two games. They have made the job easy to be honest.[LNB] Birthday boy Liam Feeney sealed the points for Cherries when he netted a stunning volley midway through the first half.[LNB] Victory saw Cherries regain the best home record in League One as Brighton were beaten for only the fourth time this season.[LNB] Bradbury added: It was hard work. Brighton keep the ball well and are probably one of the best passing teams in the division. They had some long spells of possession but we were happy to let them have it at the back and then press them. They are a good side and I thought we made them look decidedly average.[LNB] They ended up having to change it and brought on some big lads to try to mix it up. But we defended really well and kept a second clean sheet in a row. I was pleased with the way the lads applied themselves. They worked hard, were really professional and got their rewards.[LNB] Cherries were roared on by more than 7,400 home supporters in a crowd of 9,762, a record for the revamped Dean Court. It was the highest at the venue since 10,964 watched Cherries host Manchester City in February 1999.[LNB] Bradbury added: They turned out in their numbers and got right behind us. When the lads were tiring in the last 10 to 15 minutes and they were humping balls into our box, it was vital they pushed us on. I don't think the supporters realise what an influence they can have. They really got behind us and played their part in a positive result.[LNB] Brighton boss Gus Poyet believes Bradbury and assistant Steve Fletcher will have a hard act to follow in Eddie Howe, particularly after taking over a successful team.[LNB] He said: It is going to be very difficult for Lee and Fletch to maintain what Eddie did, not because they are not capable, but because you always try to change a little bit so they are in a complicated situation.[LNB] If you go to a club which isn't doing well, you will change things. But when you take over at a club which is doing well, it's difficult. I wouldn't like to be in their position. They have got to decide whether they go the same way or put their own ideas into practice. It's not easy.[LNB] The Dean Court capacity is 10,833, which includes provision for 1,050 in the temporary South Stand. Saturday's attendance was the highest at the venue since it was redeveloped in November 2001.[LNB]
