Howe’s miracle journey nears climax
For tomorrow night he could all but complete a miraculous journey in management which only those who have stayed close to his reign at Bournemouth will be aware.
The Cherries meet Bolton in a match which if won will see them all but promoted but it’s the history which needs to be studied to see the magnitude of such an achievement.
Six years ago this weekend the then 31 year old manager was in charge of a side which beat Grimsby Town to avoid relegation from the Football League in a year when they had started with a League Two 17 point deduction!
Now he sits a heartbeat from a place in the Premier League and whilst most Hammers fans are looking at big time bosses, one highly important Boleyn insider told us: “This young man could become an absolutely fantastic manager …but can the club take the chance at this stage?”
Former striker Frank McAvennie has no doubts about it telling ClaretandHugh: “Everything he does is class and the football his team plays is pure West Ham. He’d get it down and really play.
“To deal with the pressures he has had along the way, shows me he is a man of character who can deal with the Premier League – I hope the club goes for him.”
Howe heads into the match against Sam Allardyce’s former club saying: ” I feel a lot older than 37 in terms on management. The ‘Great Escape’ aged me about 10 years.”
And of the match against Bolton he declared: “Look at the legacy the players could leave this club. We have never been in the top division – never been in the Premier League.
“They can become famous around the town of Bournemouth and that should be their motivation.”
Bournemouth v Bolton
Sky Sports
Kick Off 7.45 pm
Monday