Cherries’ summer recruit Steven Gregory insists he is steadily improving as he bids to make the grade following his “big step” to League One.

Gregory admitted it would take him time to adjust to life in the third tier after jumping from Conference football in the summer.

The central midfielder, who opened his Cherries account on Saturday, has made six league starts since his close-season switch from league new boys AFC Wimbledon.

Gregory joined Cherries for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in the region of £55,000, after helping the Dons earn promotion via the Conference play-offs last term.

The former Wycombe Wanderers trainee was signed after Cherries had lost both Marvin Bartley and Danny Hollands, while fellow midfielder Anton Robinson also headed for the exit soon after.

Gregory is determined to show he can fill their boots by winning the battle for a regular starting role.

Speaking to the Echo following Saturday’s match, Gregory said: “It is a big step for me and I have really enjoyed being out on the pitch.

“I have had little injuries but I am over those now so, hopefully, I can get more games and we can get some more wins.

“It is going to take a while to get used to the pace of the game. I think I am getting better with every game. Hopefully, I can continue to do that.

“I have been given my chance because Shaun MacDonald and Mark Molesley are injured so it will be interesting competition when they get back.

“I have had a few games now to try to prove I am worthy of the shirt and it is up to the manager to pick the team.”

Gregory was utilised in a holding role by AFC Wimbledon but admits he must continue to find the net after being given more freedom by Cherries boss Lee Bradbury.

After scoring with a fine long-range strike in the 2-1 defeat against Hartlepool, he added: “I don’t score many but when I do they are usually from 20 or 25 yards because I am not really known for getting in the box that much.

“It is always nice to score but it was more of a disappointment we did not get a positive result.

“I didn’t score last season but I was so defensive, just playing in front of the back four.

“But Bradders said that is not going to be me this season and that he wants me to get on the scoresheet, so it was nice to get the first one under my belt. Hopefully, I can get a few more.

“I didn’t want to just be in a defensive role and wanted to prove I could get forward and score goals.

“I am happy that the manager has given me the opportunity to do that.”

• The Echo was informed by Cherries on Monday and yesterday that it was not possible to interview Eddie Mitchell, Shaun MacDonald, Lee Bradbury, Warren Cummings and Harry Arter.