DEFENDER Chris Mepham insisted Cherries had “really taken” to Scott Parker’s way of working and added: “He’s got high ambitions for us this year.”

The Wales international came back in to feature in Friday’s 2-2 home Championship draw against West Bromwich Albion – his first appearance of the campaign.

Mepham had played under Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall and Jonathan Woodgate at Cherries before Parker’s arrival this summer.

Asked about working with the former England midfielder, Mepham told the Daily Echo: “I’ve really enjoyed it. You didn’t really know over the summer what was going to happen in terms of managerial changes.

“Coming in he’s got different ideas and a different philosophy, but I think the lads have really taken to it. It’s hard work, the training’s intense, but I think it will definitely make us stronger as a team.

“He’s got high ambitions for us this year. He’s made it clear our objective this season and he’s got full belief in us to do it.”

Mepham is expected to be involved when Cherries make the trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.