Speculation mounts over Howe return

Speculation that former AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe could leave Championship side Burnley to return to the south coast mounted on Wednesday.

The Cherries legend has remained as the bookmakers favourite for the vacant managerial position at Dean Court ever since Paul Groves was sacked on 3rd October.

Despite AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell claiming it was unlikely that the Cherries would move for anyone in current employment, the Burnley managers odds shortened to just 1/8 by this (Thursday) morning.

Reports in Burnley suggested that Howe took training as normal yesterday and was expected to do the same later this today.

However Sky Sports and the Daily Echo have both reported that Eddie Howe tops the Cherries managerial wish-list, whilst the Daily Mail reported that AFC Bournemouth had offered a £1.4million compensation package to Burnley to bring Howe back to Dean Court.

The Daily Mail reported that recently sacked Bolton manager Owen Coyle could return to Burnley, if Howe was to leave.

'Coyle was being linked with a dramatic return amid speculation that young Burnley boss Eddie Howe is interested in going back to his old job at Bournemouth.

'It is understood that Howe, 34, has struggled to settle in the north-west and Bournemouth are offering Burnley £1.4million in compensation.'

Speaking to the Daily Echo Mitchell refused to comment on the identity of any of the managers who have been linked with the job, but denied that the Cherries would offer the figure mentioned for any compensation package.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo...

"It is just not feasible for the club to offer £1.4m - whether it be for Eddie Howe or Alex Ferguson!"

"We are hopeful of appointing somebody to take us forward. I am optimistic about getting the right man but it takes time and patience. I don`t want the supporters` expectations to be brought to a height and then dropped back down.

"We are trying to do what is best for the club and to find the right manager."



Meanwhile Yeovil Town have stated there has been no approach from the Cherries for manager Gary Johnson.

At one stage last week Johnson was one of the favourites for the position but Yeovil chief executive Martyn Starnes told the Western Gazette...

"I can state categorically that we have not been contacted by AFC Bournemouth in any capacity,"

"We do believe that it is just media or bookmaker speculation and we believe that Gary is enjoying his time here and is very focused on and driven to achieving the results we are looking for."

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