Having been left out of the squad to face Watford at the weekend, and then witnessing a 6-1 reverse, skipper Tommy Elphick has spoken about the defeat.
Quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo, Elphick says that: "It was difficult. We had a game-plan and executed it very well in the first half when we were right in the game. Maybe there was a little bit of naivety in the second half because, when it goes to three or four, you really need to shut up shop and stop leaking goals. We didn’t manage to do that but I am sure we will learn from the experience. I thought there were a lot of positives to come out of the game. It was a very good first half and we were unfortunate not to come in leading 2-1 at half-time. Everybody just needs to remain focused and take the positives. We are a young team and people have got to remember that. For a lot of our players, this is the first season in the Championship and this was only our second game. It will be a massive learning curve and one we will learn from".
On his omission from the squad, Elphick is also quoted as saying: "I trained on Friday and, towards the end of the session, I turned sharply and felt a pain in my back. I am not sure if it is a trapped nerve or I have twisted one of my ribs. It is just a case of getting some rest and trying to manipulate it. Hopefully, I will be okay to train on Tuesday. It is part and parcel of the game and my time will come. It is just a case of working hard and getting back to what I do best".