Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Bradders wary of a Latics backlash
CHERRIES boss Lee Bradbury has warned his players to be ready for a backlash when they square up against wounded promotion rivals Oldham Athletic tomorrow.[LNB] Bradbury knows only too well the Latics will be desperate to repair the damage of their capitulation against Peterborough as Oldham boss Paul Dickov is one of his best mates.[LNB] As Cherries were coming from behind to beat Dagenham six days ago, the Latics were on the receiving end of a 5-0 home mauling by Posh, with all the goals coming in the second half.[LNB] And having played alongside Dickov at Manchester City, Bradbury knows the passionate Scotsman will have his charges fired up for the crucial Dean Court showdown (3pm).[LNB] Bradbury is godfather to one of Dickov's three sons and the two families are spending the weekend together on the south coast.[LNB] The Cherries boss told the Daily Echo: Paul's teams are like he was as a player. They will be very hard working, they won't give you a minute and they will have some real quality.[LNB] They will be very difficult to beat and will give 100 per cent because I know Paul won't take anything less. Although they have struggled recently, we know what they are capable of and they are a good side.[LNB] Dickov was one of the first managers Bradbury turned to for advice after he had been installed as Cherries' caretaker boss following the departure of Eddie Howe.[LNB] And since taking the reins, the 35-year-old has overseen a nine-match unbeaten run to become Cherries' most successful newly-appointed manager in the club's history.[LNB] However, while Bradbury said he valued Dickov's input, he knows their friendship will take a back seat as second-placed Cherries look to put one over ninth-placed Oldham.[LNB] Bradbury added: It's the same as when you are a player there are no friends during the 90 minutes. It is us against them, his team against mine and we both want to win.[LNB] I once played against Darren Moore, who was another good friend of mine, and we kicked lumps out of each other for 90 minutes and were then the best of mates again. Once the game starts, it is about you and your team.[LNB] I spoke to Paul after I had taken the job and he told me to enjoy it and to be my own man. I feel I have done that and, hopefully, the lads will buy into and trust me. They certainly seem to have done that so far.[LNB] Although we have got to be mindful of what Oldham are capable of, it is about how we perform. If we do that to the best of our ability, we can get a positive result.[LNB] Bradbury has no injury concerns ahead of the visit of the Latics.[LNB] However, his search for a loan striker has seen him invite Fulham's Lauri Dalla Valle to join Cherries for training today.[LNB] The 19-year-old joined the Cottagers at the start of this season after moving from Liverpool as part of the Paul Koncheleski deal.[LNB]
