Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Pearce not surprised by interest in Howe
CAPTAIN Jason Pearce admits it is no surprise to see Eddie Howe linked with managerial vacancies but he is hoping Cherries keep hold of their prized asset.[LNB] Howe watched his side secure an impressive 2-2 draw at Huddersfield on Saturday following a week that saw him installed as one of the bookmakers' favourites to succeed Alan Pardew in the Southampton hot-seat.[LNB] Pardew was sacked by Cherries' League One rivals seven days ago and, along with the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Nigel Adkins and Phil Brown, Howe has appeared at the top of the betting lists for the St Mary's post.[LNB] He continues to be linked with the position but, following the Galpharm Stadium clash, Howe insisted the speculation had not been a distraction and that he remained solely focused on Cherries.[LNB] Since taking the Dean Court reins, he has built a reputation as one of the country's top young managers by saving the club from relegation and then masterminding their promotion into the third tier.[LNB] Howe has previously been linked with jobs at the likes of Hull City, while he also declined a switch to Peterborough United last year.[LNB] Pearce, who was handed the team captaincy by Howe, is one of many players to have flourished under the 32-year-old and would love him to continue his work with Cherries.[LNB] The centre-half told the Echo: It's no surprise that he's |being linked with it because |he's a really good manager, |him and Jason, and we've got a great team.[LNB] Hopefully, we're showing what a good team we are and he's showing what a good manager he is.[LNB] He added: I signed a three-year deal, hoping I could really move on in my career and that he could improve me.[LNB] He's come in, brought in different ideas and he's got a great team ethic, and I think that shows on the pitch.[LNB] He's been great since he's been in charge and, hopefully, it will carry on. Hopefully, he will stay so we can progress and move on.[LNB] He showed great faith in me and I just want to repay him with my performances. Being the captain, I just want to keep moving on and showing what I can do.[LNB] He's an up-and-coming great manager. I won't be surprised if he does move on eventually. But, hopefully, just not yet.[LNB] When asked whether there had been any indication of an official approach from Southampton or if there was any news on that front, Howe said: No, no there's not.[LNB] From my point of view, I'm solely focused on Bournemouth and trying to get as many points as we can at this stage of the season.[LNB] It's a hard enough job as it is, without anything else getting in the way.[LNB] He added: It's not been a distraction to me. It wasn't a distraction as a player. I think it's a compliment to be linked with any job, but nothing can sway my focus.[LNB]
