Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Purches positive about prospects
CHERRIES' forgotten man Stephen Purches is vowing to swim rather than sink as he looks to pull clear of some uncharted waters.[LNB] Purches, who rarely missed a game during his first spell at Dean Court or with former club Orient, has found himself in unfamiliar territory since returning at the start of this season.[LNB] The 31-year-old defender has been restricted to just eight appearances with his last taste of league action coming during a 3-3 draw against Notts County in August.[LNB] A nagging rib injury, coupled with the form of Spurs loan star Adam Smith, has left Purches kicking his heels. Since making way at half-time during Cherries' FA Cup defeat at Notts County, Purches was named on the bench in only one of Eddie Howe's final six squads and even stayed at home for his former boss's farewell at Colchester.[LNB] Purches, who has been an unused substitute in Lee Bradbury's first five games at the helm, told the Daily Echo: Fortunately, I have never been in this position before. It has been a new experience for me and I have stayed positive.[LNB] Coming back here in the summer was the perfect move for me. Pre-season went well, as did the first few games, and I was pleased with how I had been playing. There is never a good time to get injured and, unfortunately, I took longer to recover than I would have liked.[LNB] Adam came in and has played well, as has the team. It happens in football and, once you lose the shirt whether through injury or form, sometimes it can take a while to get it back.[LNB] But you can either sulk and mop about or train hard, play hard and push yourself on. As frustrating as it has been for me, the ultimate goal is for us to win promotion and we are on target to achieve that.[LNB] Purches, who holds a UEFA A coaching licence, was originally drafted in to provide competition for the right-back berth occupied at the time by none other than Bradbury.[LNB] You never know what's around the corner here and that's what draws you to the club, said Purches, who has seen Warren Cummings come in from the cold in similar circumstances.[LNB] When I signed, I never imagined we would be second in the table in February having sold our two leading goalscorers and Bradders probably didn't think he would have been manager.[LNB] I have absolutely no regrets about coming back. It is a career full of highs and lows and I have had a mixed bag this season. We're doing well and I am delighted to be a part of it, but I want to play as well.[LNB] Bradders and Fletch know they can call on me when they need to and I am ready and willing to help out in any way I can. As much as not playing hurts, I can't grumble.[LNB] It has always been about the team and nobody is bigger than the team. Everybody is pulling in the right direction and that will be vital over the closing months of the season.[LNB]
