EXPERIENCED campaigner Charlie Daniels believes Cherries have learned valuable lessons of history and will create a lasting legacy at Premier League level.

Cherries are in the midst of their second season in the top flight following a remarkable ascent from the depths of the Football League eight years ago.

But Eddie Howe's side are battling to preserve their status following a winless start to the calendar year which has left them just six points clear of the drop zone.

Part of the set-up since November 2011 when the club was 16th in League One, full-back Daniels is keen the hard work involved in elevating Cherries to their current standing does not go to waste.

And he is confident his team will not fall victim to the fate suffered by the likes of former top-flight clubs Portsmouth, Bolton and Blackpool, who experienced dramatic drops down the ladder.

Daniels told the Daily Echo: "We are not the biggest club in the division and have not got the biggest squad and we will go through some hard times. But I think there are many more teams who are going through harder times than us.

"Given where we've come from in such a short space of time, that compliments us a great deal.

"Now it's down to us and any new players who come in to carry it on. We have created, hopefully, a legacy and we don't want it to crash and drop like it has at some clubs in the past.

"I don't think we will be that club. If we keep the same people in charge then I know, given the way they work, the club is in good hands.

"We want to build for the future and make this the mark of where it all changed for the club."

Daniels, who could hit 200 appearances for Cherries in all competitions before the season is out, recently made his return to action following more than three weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Handed a starting berth against high-fliers Manchester City last week, the former Leyton Orient left-back looked an assured presence despite the 2-0 defeat.

Daniels added: "It was a bit sore afterwards but I think it's going to be sore for a few weeks. I will just have to grin and bear it.

"It's one of those which is just going to be there so there is no point dwelling on it, you just have to carry on."

Against City, Daniels was briefly reunited in a back four with Simon Francis, Steve Cook and Adam Smith for the first time since November 5.

However, skipper Francis was forced off midway through the first half due to a hamstring complaint.

Daniels added: "We have had some key injuries this season. But we feel we have a good run of games coming up and that we can get enough points to stay in this division."