Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has left the club by mutual consent after their relegation from the Premier League.
The 42 year old was a favourite among many Hammers fans to take over at the London Stadium after Manuel Pellegrini’s disastrous spell in charge.
But now after two spells with the Cherries which spanned a decade he has been allowed to leave the club by mutual consent – words which usually mean one thing: He was asked to leave.”
However, he declared on this occasion following the club’s relegation he believes it is “the right time for the club to have a change”.
In an open letter to the fans he said: “Having spent a total of 25 years with the club as both a player and a manager, this decision – made together with the club – is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make.
“However, although the affection and love I have for this football club will always remain, we collectively feel that now is the right time for the club to go in a new direction.
“Bournemouth will always be in my heart, but I firmly believe now is the right time for the club to have a change.”
ClaretandHugh says: Eddie Howe is one of the most honorable men in football and his decision to leave the club he loves is brave and praiseworthy. It may also be wrong because after a season in which he had injuries upon injuries he had little chance in the end of keeping the Cherries from the Championship. It will inevitably mean that a major clear out will get underway at the club when a new man is appointed and most clubs – including the Hammers will be keeping a careful eye on possibilities among the players with Callum Wilson, Josh King and David Brooks among those of particular interest to a number of clubs. Howe brought the Cherries from the brink of football league extinction to the premier League in a never to be forgotten achievement. We wish him every success in the future wherever that may be.
A tremendous servant who has helped Bournemouth punch well above their weight for years, very similar to Wenger at Arsenal an attractive football purist that imho would have benefitted working with the opposite of that and coming up with a joint solution. Looking at the gooners yesterday was actually impressed with them playing long ball football to expose Chelski’s very poor wingbacks and strategy. If Wilson was for sale on the cheap am sure there will be no end of takers, like Josh King, in honesty would prefer King who is a much better team player and Watkins from Brentford in the vague chance he is available. Although Anotonio has been great for us I think he is even better ghosting in from the wings with late runs to score headed chances and in a front 3/4 could be a real menace. As usual ideas above what I guess our station is for next season, lets see what the transfer window brings COYI !!!
Eddie has gone as far as he needs to with Bournemouth. Now is the time to move on and enjoy a change of scenery and challenge elsewhere. He should not replace David Moyes right now as he would need to lead West Ham United to the bottom of Division 2 before driving the new ‘little’ club to the dizzy heights of mid-Championship glory. 3 years to go down – another 5 to come back. We just don’t want any of that.
Best place for Eddie (assuming that he would like to continue being a football manager) would be Middlesborough taking over from Neil Warnock. This would leave Bournemouth with the opportunity to engage Neil Warnock to quickly rebuild their team to challenge for promotion from the Championship. Warnock managed the feat at Cardiff and has the ability and drive to help Bournemouth in the short term.
Then, maybe, after a couple of years – Bournemouth might like to look at someone to keep them in the Premier Leagueand consolidate a 12th position. Neil Warnock should be allowed to retire and enjoy life when he’s 74 !!
Well done so far Eddie and good luck with your future.
COYI
Likes to play the way west ham and supporters love and was a great coach for Bournemouth over the years. Failed at Burnley and not sure if he could repeat the same at another top club if given the chance but wish him well and Bournemouth supporters who I have a two friends who support that club sorry to see you drop out of the premier but you defied the odds for five years punching above your weight with only a ten k ground so well done.
Can’t say I ever thought steady Eddie Howe was a premier league quality manager. Can’t say I’ve ever admired the way Bournemouth play football. Championship team all the way.