Eddie Howe isn't going anywhere - FANTASTIC!

Eddie Howe really made a statement yesterday with his extended contract with AFCB. I really think he wanted to draw a line under any speculation that might distract the players and anyone at the club who felt that he and Jason may wish to move on at some point now that they had got the Cherries to the Premier League. It is a fantastic endorsement for the players and everyone at the club that Eddie does not want to be anywhere else and now I feel he can fully concentrate on making AFC Bournemouth into a stronger Premier League team.

Eddie Howe commits his future to the Cherries.

The timing of the announcement is perfect as with all the problems AFCB have had with injuries and with a tough battle ahead, Eddie's signature is just what is required to get everyone focussed on the job at hand. That is not just staying in the Premier league but making a really good fist of it and let's hope the team can really go and take the game to some of these big teams with some confidence now. If any Premier league club was thinking of pinching Eddie he has made his position very clear now - he's tasted success at AFCB and he wants to continue that here and build something really special.

It is not clear how long the extension is for. I have heard Tony Husband at the BBC says until 2018 and I have even heard of it being until 2020 - perhaps the club will clarify this. While AFCB say that the discussion was due in the summer when he had just over two years left on his contract and there was no need to hurry into new discussions until the team had started in the Premier League I do wonder if a club like Newcastle Utd, who have been interest in Eddie before, recently tried to see if there was any chance of him moving club. I'm just pleased that Eddie has quickly made a decision and a positive one for AFCB. 

With Eddie committing his future to the club that clears the way for a real push for points before the January window when he will surely be rewarded with funds to help him bring in extra talent to keep the Cherries moving forward. There is certainly a plan being built for the future and where the club is expected to be after this season and with the possibility of a stadium expansion and more lucrative funds for staying in the Premier League, Eddie clearly sees a future at the Vitality stadium that can see the Cherries move up the table. It is also right that AFC Bournemouth reward Eddie and Jason for the fantastic work they have done not only for the club but for Bournemouth as a whole. Under their direction the team and the town has blossomed and it is just incredible that the relationship is stronger than ever.

This should put an end to top pundits wondering what the future holds for Eddie Howe. He is one of us and always has been and it fills me with excitement and delight that we will be able to watch Eddie's teams for many years to come and will benefit first hand from his magnificent management and direction. UTCIAD!


Finally, I'm sad to hear about Danny Ings cruciate injury and Ryan Fraser is also feared out for a long spell with Ipswich. What a season this is for injuries!