CHERRIES' director of football Mel Machin today hailed Wade Elliott as the new Dean Court "wing wizard".

Machin has marvelled at Elliott's trademark mazy runs, prompting him to draw comparisons with the legendary 'Wizard of Dribble' Sir Stanley Matthews.

Elliott has made rapid strides since Machin plucked him from non-league Bashley 13 months ago and is already a big crowd favourite with Cherries fans.

And Machin, who played under Matthews during the 1960s, also described the £5,000 Cherries paid for Elliott as "some of the best money I have ever spent".

Machin said: "I'm not sure whether Wade knows who Stanley Matthews was, but there are definitely some similarities between the two of them.

"I know he is not the finished article, but I wanted to pay him the compliment after the Wigan match because he was very exciting to watch.

"It was a terrific performance and it's great to see someone beating people. We have always been a passing side and Wade is an entertainer.

"He has really come on this season and Sean and Peter have done an excellent job with him.

"He has also got an extra two or three yards of pace which is very handy.

"When you have got someone like Wade who can hold the ball up, it really takes the pressure off other players, but there is also more to his game.

"His work-rate is very high and he also supports his full-back.

"He's improving every day and developing into a very good player."

Machin, an apprentice under Matthews at Port Vale, added: "I was lucky enough to play with him in practice matches and reserve games.

"I was an inside-forward in those days and we just gave him the ball and he kept it.

"It was a fantastic experience for me to learn off him.

"He was a cunning player and very quick off the mark. He always said the first five yards were the most important before he did what he called his 'business'."

After making a down-payment of £5,000 for Elliott, Cherries have coughed up an additional £10,000 to Bashley based on appearances.

Machin added: "Everyone knows about our financial situation and having to decide whether to spend £5,000 was like spending £500,000 at the time.

"I think we just caught him before he slipped the net and if he keeps progressing at the rate he is at the moment, he is going to be a very good player."

Elliott was named in the Nationwide League team of the week following his two-goal return during Cherries' 4-0 win against Bristol City earlier this month.