Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Howe could he leave after that performance
IF Eddie Howe's hordes of supporters did not present a compelling enough case, then his players unquestionably did.[LNB] On a poignant day at Dean Court, both groups showed their determination to influence the thinking of Cherries' in-demand leader.[LNB] With emotion etched across his face and passion in his voice, Howe met the media afterwards and looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.[LNB] His difficult decision had just been made a whole lot harder.[LNB] Will he stay or will he go It soon became clear that Howe did not yet know the answer.[LNB] As the 33-year-old fielded questions about his future with trademark dignity and eloquence, his anguished expression betrayed his introspective nature and the deep thought he is giving to his next move.[LNB] With an offer from Crystal Palace on the table and other interest understood to be coming from Charlton Athletic and Burnley, his skills are highly coveted.[LNB] Switches to the Championship would no doubt boast genuine appeal, while the vacant manager's post at the Valley would offer the chance to revive the former Premier League outfit's hopes.[LNB] On the flip side, Howe is young and his time at the top will come, regardless of whether he takes this latest opportunity.[LNB] He could opt to carry on his fairytale success with Cherries. Should he stay and continue to mastermind their against-the-odds promotion push, he is guaranteed legendary status.[LNB] It is those options and possibilities that leave Howe torn between his head and his heart.[LNB] What is in no doubt is that Dean Court would be a far poorer place if he leaves.[LNB] The huge value of having the country's hottest managerial property cannot be underestimated. It outweighs any compensation figure and, although the decision is Howe's to make, everything possible should be done to keep him.[LNB] On Saturday, Cherries' fans and players went the extra mile by publically showing their feelings.[LNB] As Howe continued to ponder, the message could not have been clearer: Please don't go.[LNB] Chairman Eddie Mitchell echoed those sentiments by adding: I want him to stay, we'd be stupid not to. I've said many times, I think he's the best manager outside of the Premier League. I've always been 100 per cent behind him.[LNB] Almost choked up after his team's latest display of defiance, Howe said: When you see the players perform like that, it makes it even harder.[LNB] They feel more than just like a group of players to me, they feel like family as well.[LNB] They've never let me down not once. They're a great group to work for and I'm very proud to be their manager.[LNB] It is the continued achievements of the team he has assembled and moulded into third tier high-fliers that could yet persuade Howe to stay.[LNB] At the weekend, his loyal players dug deep to produce a performance straight out of the top drawer.[LNB] Amid mounting speculation, they went about their business in a professional and entertaining manner. Howe would have had it no other way.[LNB] Cherries crushed troubled Plymouth who, without Bradley Wright-Phillips, offered virtually nothing going forward and precious little defensive resistance.[LNB] But you can only beat what is in front of you and Cherries did so in style, something that would have impressed England legend Paul Gascoigne, who was among the crowd.[LNB] Danny Hollands opened the scoring before Liam Feeney doubled the advantage. It could have been an even greater margin at the interval but for an inspired display by ex-Cherries loan keeper David Button, who looked a different player from the one who briefly plied his trade in Dorset.[LNB] The young stopper did brilliantly to deny the exciting Danny Ings on two occasions.[LNB] Marc Pugh beat Button with a delightful spot kick after the break before the woodwork bagged a rare hat-trick, repelling efforts from Pugh, Lee Bradbury and Michael Symes as Cherries threatened to rack up a cricket score.[LNB] It is the rich potential his team demonstrated and the heartfelt affection of the supporters that worship him that has landed Howe with such a tricky dilemma.[LNB] As the full-time whistle put Plymouth out of their misery, all eyes were on Howe for any hints of what way he might go.[LNB] With chants of You're not going anywhere' booming around the ground, he walked on to the field. After handshakes and the customary post-match huddle, Howe made a point of going to all sections of the crowd.[LNB] The supporters were absolutely magnificent for me and for the players, said an overwhelmed Howe. I can't thank them enough for everything they've done for me.[LNB] That doesn't mean I'm going. It's just a thank you for today. It meant so much to me and my family, who were here.[LNB] Emotionally drained, Howe left Dean Court with much on his mind.[LNB] Almost two hours after his side had risen to second in League One, leapfrogging local rivals Southampton, he was met by patient autograph hunters.[LNB] In his usual polite manner, the Cherries boss stopped to talk and signed their memorabilia, before exiting the ground where he has spent most of his career and heading home.[LNB] For the good of the club, supporters will be praying it is not the last time he makes that familiar journey.[LNB]
