AFC Bournemouth boss Paul Groves says criticism 'stings'

Bournemouth manager Paul Groves says he is determined to come through what he calls a "tough" period and turn around the club's recent poor results.

The Cherries were beaten 4-0 by Swindon at the weekend and despite huge summer investment have only won one league game this season.

"It's tough, there is no doubt about it," Groves told BBC Radio Solent.

"Of course it [criticism] stings; but you have to look at the bigger picture. You have to keep a level head."

He added: "But when you have experienced those tough times at other clubs it enables you to stay composed in your work environment and make sure you focus on what happens on the pitch."

Groves' side were booed off on Saturday with supporters running out of patience but Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell insists he will stand by manager - who was only appointed in the summer.

"We've had conversations with the chairman on a regular basis since day one but the results are what the business is about and we need to address those," he said.

"The work needs to be done on the training pitch. They are all big games and if you come off the back of defeat you are always after a reaction."

But Groves still believes his side are heading the in right direction, and feels Saturday's heavy defeat at Swindon was just a one off.

"First and foremost we have to go into games competitive and make sure we address the performance of last week," he said.

"Up until the weekend the performances had been okay but we had not been clinical enough.

"So we need to continue creating chances and be more clinical in front of goal and hopefully that brings you the three points."