Cherries star Harry Arter is hoping to be given a licence to thrill under new boss Paul Groves after claiming he was used “too defensively” by Lee Bradbury.

Midfielder Arter is preparing to start his third season for a third different manager and believes the appointment of Groves and Shaun Brooks could give him a new lease of life.

Arter has experienced a mixed bag since arriving at Dean Court with a combination of injury and suspension preventing him from establishing himself as a regular.

His fortunes were summed up in Groves’s eight-match stint as caretaker – with Arter starting the first three and then missing the final five due to a ban and a back injury.

The 22-year-old told the Daily Echo: “I’m looking forward to pre-season because most managers see it as a clean slate for players. I worked with Paul and Shaun at the end of last season so know what to expect and what is expected of me.

“It is going to be different because a new manager will have his own ideas. As a player, you are always looking to prove yourself and the new manager’s philosophy is good. He wants us to get the ball down and play and that suits me perfectly.

“I really enjoyed playing under him last season and, the first thing he said to me was that he wanted me higher up the pitch and playing a more attacking role, which I feel I am a lot more suited to.

“Under the previous manager, I felt I had to play too defensively. It is not that I can’t play defensively but I am an attack-minded player and my main attribute is going forward. I was pleased when Paul recognised this and he wants me to receive the ball higher up the pitch.

“It is going to take a lot of hard work for us to play the way he wants us to, not so much physically, but concentrating on the technical side. He wants you to get better with each session and, if you don’t try to improve, people will overtake you.”

Arter, who penned a new three-year contract in September, received a glowing reference on Groves from his brother-in-law Scott Parker, who worked with the Cherries boss at West Ham.

“When Paul first came to the club, Scottie said I would really like him,” said Arter. “He spoke very highly of him and said he was a great coach. I knew he was going to be good for me.

“He has worked with some high-quality players and knows what you need to do to be the best. He has seen the best train and will be trying to get us to take that on.

“You can have the best manager in world but it doesn’t mean you are going to be a good player. I need to take onboard what Paul and Shaun are telling and give it my best every day.

“I am looking forward to working with them.”

Meanwhile, boss Groves last night ruled out a move for ex-Nottingham Forest striker Marlon Harewood. Groves said he hoped to complete the signing of a new frontman in the next couple of days.