Jonathan Woodgate insists the “vile abuse” he suffered at Middlesbrough hasn't put him off management.
The new Bournemouth boss is targeting promotion after getting the job ahead of Premier League legend Thierry Henry.
Ex-England defender Woodgate stepped up to become caretaker when Jason Tindall was sacked earlier this month.
He is now relishing his second spell as a boss after only lasting a year in charge of Championship rivals Boro from June 2019.
Woodgate,41, said: “When I have been at different clubs , especially Middlesbrough last year, I suffered a lot of vile abuse from the public and key board warriors.
“I don't mind if a fan is constructive in his criticism, no problem at all.
“When they start being vile and abusive then it is not nice.
“But I have been in football since I was 17.
“I love football and leading a team.
“It is stressful but something I really enjoy.
“We want promotion but I have no point to prove to anyone.”
Woodgate spoke out about his critics to explain how he is using his experience to help under-fire Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham.
Woodgate has taken seven points from four League games and has guided Bournemouth into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
But his permanent appointment on the back of a 2-1 weekend loss at QPR stunned fans expecting to see ex-Arsenal striker Henry join from MLS side Montreal.
Ahead of Wednesday's visit by Cardiff, Woodgate, who has signed a contract until the end of the season, added: “I was there in the shop window getting results.
“It was a live interview and audition.
“The club have seen the results I have been getting and how I was dealing with the players.
“They were obviously speaking to different players in and around the training ground.”
Woodgate will be without Welsh international David Brooks for four-five weeks due to an ankle injury from training last Friday.
But he expects 10-goal Dominic Solanke to return to training on Thursday after being out since February 2.
