EXPERIENCED counterpart John Ward is backing Cherries’ young management team to hold their nerve as they battle to climb out of the League One relegation zone.

Colchester United boss Ward believes manager Lee Bradbury and his staff need to be afforded patience in their bid to emerge from a difficult start to the campaign.

Ward praised Cherries’ performance after the Dorset outfit claimed a 1-1 draw at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday night.

Cherries were left in 21st position and with no win in their past six league matches after an own goal from Stéphane Zubar cancelled out a first-minute opener from Wes Thomas, the striker having netted with just 16 seconds on the clock.

But Ward voiced his support for Bradbury and his player-assistant Steve Fletcher.

The former Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Carlisle manager told the Daily Echo: “They have had a little run where they haven’t won a game in a short space of time, but they have put on good performances.

“We have seen their past four matches and they are doing fine. It needs the patience of people around their football club.

“Steve is an absolute legend at Bournemouth so no one is going to accuse him of not caring and Lee Bradbury knows the game. They are good people and, hopefully for them, they have both got a good future in the game and they can do very well at Bournemouth.

“I had a good chat with the guys before the game and they are good people. They will keep their nerve and the players will keep their nerve with them.

“Those two young men will be fine in management. If I can help or assist them in any way with opposition and stuff like that, I will do. That is part and parcel of our game.”

Ward, who has also managed York City and Bristol City in a lengthy career, added: “Bournemouth have got good young players. We both want to try to pass and play the ball and provide good entertaining football.

“The shame is that supporters of one team don’t see the attributes of the other team. That is something, as a football man, I do see, I do recognise and I respect greatly.

“I think Steve and Lee have got a good footballing team.”