BOSS Paul Groves has played down continuing suggestions Cherries need to sign an enforcer by insisting they can prosper without an individual ball winner.

The recently-appointed manager was responding after repeated calls from fans for Cherries to add a more physical option to their midfield ranks.

Groves believes the nature of the modern game makes it increasingly difficult for combative players to operate as they may have done traditionally.

He says his team will focus largely on their own work with the ball and that halting the opposition will be done as a unit rather than by one player.

The Cherries boss confirmed that recruiting another forward remained his top transfer priority with the League One outfit hoping to complete a deal this week after agreeing terms with a mystery new frontman.

Talk of an eighth forward arriving at Dean Court came as some fans insisted the club required a midfield enforcer after Marvin Bartley, Danny Hollands and Anton Robinson all left Dorset in recent seasons.

Groves told the Daily Echo: “When people talk about enforcers, I think it is very difficult to enforce in the modern game.

“If you make a couple of physical challenges, the next one could possibly receive a yellow card.

“I don’t think there are too many enforcers in and around the modern game. There are strong, physical types that can, maybe, dominate a midfield area but I think they are few and far between.

“Tactically, there are ways in which you can work around that as well.”

Groves added: “There are players out there who can do that – there is no doubt about that.

“But we want to make sure that we concentrate on our team playing the way our team plays. We feel that is more important.

“We accept that you have to try to stop the opposition playing and we will do that as a unit rather than giving that one particular job to one individual. That needs to be a collective thing.”

Groves, who poured cold water on suggestions he was set to make a move for Robinson, has midfield options including Harry Arter, Steven Gregory, Shaun MacDonald, Donal McDermott and Joe Partington, while long-serving star Shaun Cooper is considering a new contract offer from the club.

Groves added: “We feel, in most areas, there needs to be good competition for places.

“There is a bit of competition for places (in midfield) and it is up to those players to fight for that position and make the shirt their own.”