Cherries: Bradders bans the 'S' word ahead of Exeter

08 March 2011 07:00
BOSS Lee Bradbury has banned talk of Southampton as Cherries aim to avoid becoming sidetracked by the upcoming south coast promotion showdown.[LNB] Interest and excitement is building among the area's football followers ahead of Saturday's meeting between the League One rivals, with tickets for the Dean Court clash sold out weeks ago.[LNB] Cherries could extend their lead on Saints and enhance their own hopes of finishing in the top two by getting the better of their neighbours in front of a capacity crowd.[LNB] But with his in-form side facing a potentially tricky trip to Exeter City tonight (7.45pm), Bradbury is determined to fully focus on the Grecians.[LNB] A win in Devon would see Cherries at least maintain their six-point lead over Saints, who host Yeovil Town at St Mary's as the race for promotion intensifies.[LNB] When asked if it would be hard not to look ahead to the Southampton game, Bradbury said: Not really, no. I can't be sidetracked and I can't let the players be sidetracked. I've told them that I don't want anyone talking about the Southampton game until Thursday.[LNB] We've got a massive game tonight and it is still three points on offer, the same as it is on Saturday.[LNB] The Cherries chief added: We are not getting distracted by talk of the Southampton game. Exeter have had a couple of bad results of late so, hopefully, we can go there and get a good start.[LNB] It should be a good match as both teams like to play football. We have just got to hope we get the upper hand on them, but it won't be an easy game.[LNB] In contrast to Exeter's failure to win in their past four outings, Cherries have gone on an exceptional run since Bradbury and player-assistant boss Steve Fletcher took charge.[LNB] The rookie pair have kept Cherries on course for promotion with a 10-match unbeaten sequence, which has included six wins and four draws.[LNB] Bradbury added: It is hard to follow a successful management team like Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall.[LNB] Fletch and I have come in and gone about our business quietly, creeping along under the radar, hopefully, without anyone noticing what we are doing.[LNB] They are starting to take notice now but it is up to us to keep the lads' and our own feet on the ground, and concentrate on tonight's game.[LNB] Left-back Rhoys Wiggins is Cherries' only injury worry due to the calf problem that kept him out of Saturday's 3-0 victory over Oldham Athletic.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo