Cherries: Howe turns down Saints

Cherries boss Eddie Howe has today turned down the opportunity to become Southampton manager, Dean Court chairman Eddie Mitchell has confirmed to the Daily Echo. Howe was interviewed by Saints after Mitchell gave them permission to speak to the 32-year-old about the possibility of succeeding Alan Pardew in the St Mary's hot-seat. But he has opted to remain loyal to Cherries after being offered the post earlier today. For more on this story, see tomorrow's Echo.