CHERRIES' new head coach Jonathan Woodgate insisted he did not feel he had a point to prove as a boss, as he embarks on his second role in management.

Woodgate was sacked by boyhood club Middlesbrough last year, ending with a record of just nine wins from 41 games in charge, which left them teetering above the Championship relegation zone.

But, after a successful five-game stint as caretaker boss at Cherries, Woodgate has now been handed the reins on a deal until the end of the season.

His first game in permanent charge of the club comes against Cardiff City at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (7.45pm).

Asked if he feels like he has something to prove to those who criticised his time on Teesside, Woodgate said: "No, I’m not into proving points to anyone. At the end of the day, chairmen have got decisions to make regarding who they employ and if they let employees go.

"I’ve got no point to prove to anyone, not at all. I just concentrate on the team that I’m working for."

Woodgate last week insisted he had not been interviewed for the vacant role at Cherries.

But he explained he how felt he was proving himself on a daily basis during his time in interim charge.

"You go on about not getting an interview, I think my interview was as soon as I walked through the door and you see the way I conducted myself with the players and around the place and got results," said Woodgate.

"I think that was my interview as it goes. I’m thoroughly enjoying it, being the manager of the football club. I came here to be a coach and things can change very quickly in football.

"I’ve got a lot to thank Jason Tindall for, for bringing me to the football club in the first place and taking a chance. And me stepping down a few levels, willing to go outside my comfort zone, six hours away from my house and learn.

"I didn’t enjoy how it all happened in the first place. It’s been a difficult few weeks, but now I’m in the job, you’ll get everything from me. Maximum effort, the full lot."

Before managing Middlesbrough, Woodgate enjoyed a glittering playing career which saw him feature in the Premier League for the likes of Leeds, Newcastle and Tottenham, as well as sign for Real Madrid and play for England.

"I think I’ve had a lot of experience in football, since I was 17 years old," explained Woodgate.

"Especially down a managerial and a coaching route I have got a lot of experience. I’ve got good experience, I’ve got bad experience.

"I think that with the club, no shadow of a doubt they’ve interviewed people, but my interview was live. My interview was day in, day out. My interview was Rotherham, Birmingham, the games that I’ve played.

"I think with the position the club were in, I think to make that decision and maybe make more upheaval behind the scenes with coaching, I was doing a good enough job to be honest with you.

"So I got the job in the end. I think it was the right decision."