DESPITE taking up residence near the port of Poole, Mathieu Baudry wants to drop anchor at Dean Court.

The Frenchman, who hails from across the Channel in Le Havre, is keen to avoid being remembered by Cherries supporters as a one-hit wonder.

Baudry signed a short-term deal with Cherries in January after his contract with Troyes had been cancelled by mutual consent.

And he made an inauspicious start in the English game after being thrown in at the deep end to face Exeter in March.

Baudry, a late replacement for Shaun Cooper, was given the run-around as an abject team performance ended in defeat for Cherries in Devon.

However, following a brief appearance from the bench in a 2-0 win at Notts County, Baudry sparked a dramatic comeback against Bristol Rovers last month.

A central defender by trade, he showed his versatility and starred in midfield after coming on as a 65th-minute substitute for Anton Robinson.

Baudry’s headed equaliser six minutes from time was followed by an 88th-minute winner from assistant manager Steve Fletcher, a victory that proved defining in Cherries reaching the play-offs.

“It was an amazing feeling,” said Baudry, in an interview with the Daily Echo during the club’s play-off press call.

“It was fantastic to play for the first time at Dean Court.

“I was sitting on the bench and feeling the frustrations of the supporters.

“When I got my chance to go on, I wanted to do my best and help the team.”

Since his heroics against Rovers, Baudry has been struggling with a nagging groin injury which is threatening his participation in Saturday’s semi-final, first leg against Huddersfield.

And while working tirelessly on his fitness with Cherries physio Steve Hard, Baudry is continuing to adjust to living in England for the first time in his life.

“I love it here,” he said. “I have never been involved at a club where the team spirit is so strong. The town and the club are great and the people are cool!

“I would like to stay. It was hard coming here when I did and I would like the chance to show what I can do during pre-season and into next season.”

Baudry, who lives alone in Westbourne, added: “I don’t really have any hobbies.

“I talk a lot with my family and like to shop and go to the beach. I watch all sports on the television.

“I also like to meet up with the other players after training. I like to join them to improve my English and have a laugh.”