At the age of 41, AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has become the youngest manager in history to take charge of 500 games.
Whilst the milestone match against Fulham was one to forget, over the past 10 years, including two spells with AFC Bournemouth, Howe has enjoyed many more games to remember than forget.
Taking over at Dean Court on New Years Eve 2008, Howe has overseen the remarkable fairytale rise that has seen the Cherries avoid relegation to non-league football and probable extinction following a 17 point deduction, to promotion from the fourth tier of English football just 12 months later, despite a season-long transfer embargo.
Following a 21 month spell at Burnley, Howe returned to Dean Court with AFC Bournemouth in the relegation places of League One. Fast forward just six months and AFC Bournemouth were top of the league and would go on to secure promotion to the Championship in April 2013.
Two short seasons in the second tier followed, with AFC Bournemouth winning the Championship title in style in 2015.
Eddie Howe would be named Football League manager of the decade for what he had achieved in just six years.
Whilst the 2018/19 Premier League campaign appears to be ending on a slump, with a poor record over the past six months, AFC Bournemouth have undoubtedly done enough to secure a fifth successive season in the top flight of English football.
A spell that has seen the Cherries secure famous victories over Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and take points from every club with the exception of Manchester City.
Last season AFC Bournemouth were the highest ranked side on the south coast finishing ahead of both Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion. This season that feat could be repeated, but a result is likely to be required at St Mary’s.
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk…
“When I was told, my initial reaction was where has the time gone, where have the games gone? It doesn’t feel that many and the past 10 years feel a bit of a blur.
“It’s gone so quickly. I have crammed a lot into that period of time, it’s been a hugely enjoyable and successful period so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to manage this club.”
Asked to pick his one stand out game from his managerial career, Howe added…
“Naturally, there are a few games that immediately spring to mind.
“The Bolton game always stands out because taking the club into the Premier League was something we never thought possible. Also the Grimsby game so I’m going to pick two. The Grimsby game will always be part of our history.”
What has been your favourite game under Eddie Howe at AFC Bournemouth? – Join the conversation and vote by clicking here.
AFCB Vital sponsors of Cherry Bear and Supporters Travel
