OUT-of-sorts Garreth O'Connor has taken his share of the blame for Cherries' poor start to the season.

The midfielder yesterday returned to Burnley following the end of his three-month loan period.

He was restricted to nine appearances during his second spell at Dean Court, with a lack of fitness and a succession of nagging injuries hindering him.

And in a brutally honest appraisal of his stay, the 27-year-old has admitted his indifferent form was a factor as Cherries slid into the League One relegation zone.

O'Connor, who made his first start for 17 months in Cherries' curtain-raiser at Nottingham Forest, was subbed in all seven of his starts and came off the bench twice.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo last night, he said: "It's been a big disappointment. The manager brought me in thinking I could perform as I had when I was here before, but it just didn't happen.

"I was excited when I found out that Bournemouth wanted me. I was looking forward to coming back but didn't do the business.

"There are a number of reasons, but mainly fitness. I think I've had more injuries in the past three months than I had in all the time I was here before.

"I hadn't played for a while when I first came back but didn't think it would affect me that much because I was still training well and keeping myself fit.

"The first injury knocked me back two weeks in pre-season and I wasn't sharp when I came back. It wasn't happening for me and that's why my confidence went.

"But it's been physical rather than mental. We had a bad start and although it wasn't entirely my fault, I will take my share of the blame.

"I hope the team continues to kick on after a couple of good results because I rate Kevin Bond as a manager. It's been tough for everybody and my performance haven't helped as such."

Despite Cherries' tardy start, O'Connor, who was voted supporters' player of the year in 2004-05, is convinced Bond's charges can turn the tide: "I can see them kicking on and moving up the table. There is enough quality in the team for them not to be involved in a relegation battle.

"It's a small squad and they could do with a couple more players. I know it's not going to be easy because of the finances and the key players need to stay fit.

"I would love to see them do well and would like to thank the club for giving me a chance to come back. I'm just sorry I couldn't play my part in a better start."

Cherries boss Bond said: "I think Garreth suffered because he'd had the best part of a year out of competitive football and found it difficult to recapture the form we all know he's capable of. He worked as hard as he could to try to regain his form, but it didn't quite happened for him.

"He didn't need telling, he knew straight away and was as disappointed as us. If he gets somewhere near where he was before, then I would be very interested in looking at him again."