IN true Frank Sinatra fashion, Jimmy Quinn is vowing to manage Cherries My Way'.

But the Ulsterman, a prolific striker during his playing days, says he has also learned much from a long line of illustrious tutors.

Leading goalscorer during his one season with Cherries in 1991-92, Quinn's two bosses at Dean Court are now both plying their trade in the Premiership.

And having returned to Dorset this week, Quinn knows Cherries are a million miles from joining the respective clubs of local residents Harry Redknapp and Tony Pulis.

As he sets out on the task of trying to revive Cherries' fortunes, Quinn insists he will attempt to stamp his own style of management on his squad.

Quinn, preparing for his seventh job in management, said: "I learned from every manager I played under. They all had their qualities and I've tried to pick the best bits.

"I wouldn't say that any one manager was poor at anything. I had about 13 in all and they all had different qualities.

"Harry was a fantastic manager to play under, the best man-manager I had. Lou Macari was probably an introvert in that respect but he knew players and how to build a team.

"I played under Billy Bingham at international level and he was good at everything. He could coach, motivate and organise.

"You can't level too much criticism at players these days. You've got to try to focus on the individual thing and get the best out of everyone, which I feel I'm good at.

"I'm also good at making sure the players know exactly what the demands are and what is expected of them. They need to show passion and commitment to win games."

So what of the traditional methods involving teacups and hairdryers?

"I ducked a few teacups in my time," laughed Quinn. "Especially from Bobby Saxton at Blackburn Rovers!

"I missed a sitter at Fulham one day and the teapot bounced off the table and tea sprayed all over everybody suits. He is a great fella and I'll never forget that.

"As you get older, you know they did it because they were passionate and wanted to win. It was a bit annoying at the time because he ruined a few good suits!

"I've worked with managers who like to voice their opinions quite loudly and others who kicked chairs. It's all changed now but I had a bit of that in my day."

Quinn has been tasked with succeeding where his four predecessors all failed, the club's last major triumph being capturing the old Division Three championship in 1987 under Redknapp.

And while Sir Alex Ferguson or Fabio Capello would probably struggle to bring back the glory days at Dean Court, Quinn is convinced the only way is up, fortunately.

"You've only got to look at the area," he said. "I don't think you would have a problem getting players here and I mean realistic players, not Premiership players.

"The training facilities are excellent and the new board are ambitious. It's all set up to take the club forward.

"You've got to have a plan of where you want to be in five years. I've had a good chat with Savi and Paul (the club's owners) and we're very ambitious.

"But it will take time. I haven't got a magic wand and neither have they. All I can do is bring to the table what I feel I'm good at and that's playing football and getting results."