WARREN Cummings has emphasised the desire of Cherries' players to remain unified in the face of the ailing club's off-field difficulties.

Former Chelsea trainee Cummings, who signed a permanent deal with Cherries in 2003 after two loan spells on the south coast, explained how he discovered news of the club's plight.

"The first I heard of it was when people called me to tell me a thing had gone on the internet," said the 27-year-old Scotsman.

"That was a disappointing thing to hear and we had a meeting with the manager and he explained to us how things will work.

"I think it's a difficult situation for him because he doesn't know what's going to happen either and whether it's a certainty we'll go into administration or not. So his hands are very much tied."

As revealed by the Daily Echo earlier this week, the struggling League One outfit's directors have filed a notice of intention to Bristol County Court. This informs the court of the company's intention to appoint an administrator and gives the club a period of protection from its creditors while the directors consider their financial position.

But despite events behind the scenes at Dean Court dominating the news, popular left-back Cummings stated that the players would be doing their utmost to keep their end of the bargain on the pitch, starting with this afternoon's home clash against Southend.

He said: "We've just said whatever happens let's really have a right go and create a good mentality amongst us.

"We'll all stick together and if we go down this season, let's do it in a positive way - if there is a positive way, in terms of keeping our heads held high.

"And let's make sure we do our side of it on the football pitch."

Cummings has rediscovered his form in recent matches after enduring a difficult start to the campaign. The defender, who has played more than 150 games for the Dorset club, spent two months on the sidelines after breaking in his arm against Northampton Town in September.

Meanwhile, Southend boss Steve Tilson is expecting a tough task at Dean Court, having heard of Cherries' impressive performance at Whaddon Road last weekend.

"The scouting report we had done from Bournemouth's match with Cheltenham said they battered them and that if it had been a boxing match it would have been stopped long before the end," said Tilson. "It wasn't what I really wanted to hear and being Bournemouth they are bound to be a good passing side so we have to be at our best and also make sure we turn our possession and territory into goals."