TOMMY Elphick called on Cherries to “embrace the challenge” of a tight turnaround in fixtures, as they head into battle with Crystal Palace tomorrow (3pm).

The club legend and first-team coach admitted the hectic nature of festive fixtures over Christmas “was the period that I really missed football” after his retirement from the game in August 2021.

Cherries suffered a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday, before having to prepare for their home clash with Patrick Vieira’s Eagles.

They then make the midweek trip to Manchester United next Tuesday (8pm).

Asked about the tight turnaround in games, Elphick said: “I love it, to be honest.

“I was quite content when I retired a couple of years ago until I got to Christmas last year, and that was the period that I really missed football. So, for me personally, I love it.

“I love sport around this time of year, brings people together. So, as you say, it is a tight turnaround. It has been hard work for the last couple of days to analyse the Chelsea game and to prepare for the Palace game.

“But I feel like we're in a good place and can really embrace the challenge of that tight turnaround.”

The showdown with Palace is boss Gary O’Neil’s first at Vitality Stadium since being named the club’s permanent head coach – as well as ending Cherries’ seven-week break in home fixtures due to the World Cup.  

“It's the first time that the manager is going to be playing at home as well, since he's been named, and we saw the reception he got at the end of the Everton game,” said Elphick.  

“The past two home games we played some fantastic football.

“Obviously, with the ownership as well, it feels like there's a real good atmosphere and hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”