Howe returns to the dugout

Returning AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe returns to the Dean Court dugout for the first time since January 2011 against Tranmere on Saturday.

Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall returned to the Cherries last week and watched on from the Energy Consulting box as the Cherries recorded their first home win of the season last Saturday against Leyton Orient.

For the visit of League One table toppers Tranmere Rovers, Howe takes charge for the first time in his second spell and he is hoping the Dean Court faithful can help his side tomorrow.

Howe told afcb.co.uk...

'Tranmere have been excellent this season. I`ve watched them a couple of times and they are a good side. They got off to a great start and are unbeaten in the league, and full credit to Ronnie Moore.


'They are scoring a lot of goals and keeping clean sheets, so they are clearly doing something right at both ends of the pitch. Full credit to them for that because they haven`t spent big money and they have done great...'

'...We are at home and the supporters do make such a big difference here. They have been fantastic down the years and they can really help us on Saturday, because we will need them...

Returning manager Eddie Howe could include Donal McDermott in his match day squad after he impressed in mid-week against Winchester City in the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Harry Arter could also return after not featuring since he went off with a rib injury against Brentford in September.

Whilst Mark Molesley could be in line for a return in the near future from an Achilles' tendon injury.

However Richard Hughes has joined the longer term injury list, he limped off against Leyton Orient on Saturday with a strained right hamstring and is expected to be sidelined for around four weeks.

Long term absentees Darryl Flahavan, Stephen Purches and Charlie Sheringham remain out.

The popular winger scored the Cherries second goal against Leyton Orient last Saturday to secure the Cherries first home win of the season and with returning manager Eddie Howe back at Dean Court, Pugh is re-united with the man who initially signed him from Hereford and he will be looking to impress his new 'old' boss.

Joe Thompson (ankle) and Andy Robinson (hamstring) are both doubtful for Tranmere.

Tranmere Rovers Manager Ronnie Moore is hoping to bring in a loan signing before the game.

19 year old Jake Cassidy, is currently on loan from Wolverhampton and has scored eight goals in twelve League One appearances this season and is the clubs top scorer ahead of Akpa Akpro and Andy Robinson who have both scored seven goals thus far this season.

Head to Head

Bournemouth wins - 20
Tranmere Rovers wins - 13
Draws - 15

Last time out

Tranmere last visited Dean Court in January with the Cherries taking all three points with a 2-1 victory.

Tuesday 23rd October, Notts County V Bournemouth, 7.45pm

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco