LEE Bradbury has been confirmed as Cherries' new manager, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal at Dean Court.

Bradbury had been in temporary charge of the League One side, following the departure of Eddie Howe to Burnley earlier this month.

Along with his assistant, Steve Fletcher, they guided the team to a crucial 1-0 home victory over leaders Brighton last weekend.

That was enough to prompt chairman Eddie Mitchell to hand the jobs to them on a permanent basis.

It means the pair will be in charge for what could be an electric meeting with Saints, at Dean Court, on March 12.

Cherries currently occupy second place in League One, and are two points ahead of fourth-placed Saints, although Nigel Adkins' team still hold a game in hand over them.

"I am pleased with the outcome and more than confident," Bradbury said.

"The lads are 100 per cent behind us. With the team we've got, we have the best chance of being successful."