Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Bradders glad to be back up top
DEPENDABLE performer Lee Bradbury stepped into Steve Fletcher’s boots to help Cherries to victory – then set his sights on solving Eddie Howe’s striker shortage.
Bradbury, a forward by trade who has been playing regularly at right-back, reverted to his natural role as Cherries earned a deserved 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
The 34-year-old, once a £3million signing for Manchester City, produced a fine performance leading the line, capped by a clever assist for Liam Feeney’s match-winning goal.
And his efforts in attack came as a timely boost for manager Howe, who could be without influential star Fletcher for about two weeks after the club’s record appearance-maker joined fellow frontman Jeff Goulding in the Dean Court treatment room.
Howe is not blessed with many options in his squad and Bradbury, who has more than 100 career goals to his name, is keen to grasp the opportunity to impress his manager in an attacking berth.
“We’ve only got two or three fit strikers at the club, so I think Ed put me up there for a bit of presence for their defenders (to cope with),” explained the experienced campaigner when asked about his striking role.
“We proved to be a bit of a handful and created a few chances. Feeney had a couple of good chances and Brett (Pitman) had a couple, so it was good.
“The defence, as well, were brilliant and shut up shop. We restricted them to one or two long distance shots. We did really well and, as a whole team, I thought we were outstanding.”
Bradbury added: “I like playing up front. I enjoy it and that’s the position I’ve played the longest so it feels more natural to me than being a defender.
“But like I’ve said before, I’m happy to play anywhere because I just want to play. Whether it’s up front, defence, midfield or wherever it might be, I’m just happy to be playing.
“I enjoyed the game and it was a massive result for us.”
Bradbury’s ability to play in various positions is a valuable commodity for Cherries, especially given the fact that the club’s ongoing transfer embargo prevents Howe from adding to his wafer-thin squad.
And Bradbury’s performance against Crewe did not go unnoticed, with the Cherries manager saying: “He did well. He showed his experience and him and Brett performed well together.”
