Howe is Cherries' saint

IN THE eyes of Cherries fans, Eddie Howe will always be a saint. In turning down a move to League One rivals Southampton, Howe has achieved the impossible and managed to lift his standing among the AFC Bournemouth faithful to an even loftier status. If it goes any higher, they may have to raise the roof at Dean Court. A hero for saving the club from relegation and then leading them to the most remarkable of promotions, Howe was already one of the club's favourite sons. Had he opted to join Southampton, the majority of fans would have fondly remembered all he had done for Cherries. However, at a time when loyalty in football is evaporating, such a pledge of allegiance is both timely and welcome. Should the impressive nature of Cherries' performances under Howe carry on, it would be no surprise to see the highly-rated 32-year-old offered other opportunities. Cherries supporters need to get used to the fact Howe is likely to be among the frontrunners when roles become available. They will also have to get their heads around the idea that a higher-level club could well come knocking eventually. But for now, fans will be rejoicing at the news that St Eddie of Dean Court is staying put. The fact the neighbours are the ones he turned down will just make their celebratory tipple taste all the sweeter.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo