Groves: Criticism stings

AFC Bournemouth manager Paul Groves had admitted that recent criticism of his performance as manager of the Cherries 'stings'.

Groves and his assistant Shaun Brooks were installed as the first team management pairing following the departure of Lee Bradbury in March.

The duo took charge of the team for the final eight games of the 2011/12 campaign, winning two, losing two and drawing four of their games and were rewarded by AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell with the roles on a permanent basis.

Over the course of the summer the youth team and academy set-up has been completely re-organised under Groves guidance, a new training ground built in Kings Park and big investment has been made in the first team which has seen Groves make a number of new signings with former England international David James set to be the most recent addition.

But despite almost a dozen new players joining the squad over the past few months, the performances have failed to improve in the new campaign.

Penalty shoot-out defeats to Oxford and Portsmouth meant that the Cherries dropped out of the League Cup and Football League Trophy in the first round, whilst only eight points have been taken from the opening eight games with one win, two defeats and five draws.

The Cherries last game ended in a 4-0 reverse away at Swindon Town, with some sections of the travelling AFC Bournemouth supporters calling from Groves to be sacked. While the Swindon fans mocked with chants of 'getting sacked in the morning'.

Groves told BBC Radio Solent...

'It's tough, there is no doubt about it, Of course it (criticism) stings; but you have to look at the bigger picture. You have to keep level head.'

'But when you have experienced those tough times at other clubs it enables you to stay composed in your work environment and make sure focus on what happens on the pitch.'

'We've had conversations with the chairman on a regular basis since day one but the results are what the business is about and we need to address those...'

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