What is Howe's legacy at AFCB?

Kris Temple asked what was AFC Bournemouth's legacy having left the Premier League after the last game at Everton, but now we have an even bigger question of what has been Eddie Howe's legacy after nearly 26 years at the club. He leaves, of course, with the club in a much better place than when he joined as a YTS trainee or as a manager for the first time, but have we learned any lessons from Eddie's time at the helm?

Eddie Howe won three promotions at AFCB and kept them in the top flight for five seasons.

While materially the club might not look any different from the outside, it's reputation is significantly enhanced. Go anywhere in the world now and if they like football they'll know about AFC Bournemouth and Eddie Howe. Eddie was the great story though behind the club and people signed up to that not only for the way the team played, but because of the man. He remains ever young and has an ability to motivate and achieve. There aren't many coaches that can inspire the way Eddie Howe has done over the years and now we will see how priceless he has been.

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If anything Eddie's legacy is to all the other lower league clubs, who have aspirations to get to the Premier League - it can be done. Young managers can also succeed in this business if they are given the opportunity. But managers like players come and go.

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For AFC Bournemouth, we may have just lived through the best years that the club may have ever. There might not be a return to the top flight and it could soon languish in the lower divisions again. All we would be left with is the memories. But without another catalyst for success, the odds are not in favour for a quick return for AFCB to the Premier League, now that Eddie Howe has departed. The stability needs to be rebuilt and it will need a special person to do that or may be several people over the next few seasons.

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Eddie's legacy is for us all to try and do better, every day in whatever we do. If we all take that on board then we can smile whenever we think about the Eddie Howe years. It may not be a time that is remembered in bricks and mortar, but we got to the Premier League and we thrived when we were there. Enjoy the past and embrace the future. We know there won't be anyone as good as Eddie Howe, but at least we have had some of the best times and we thank Eddie for that.

New book out soon!
Cherry Chimes will release a new book on Eddie Howe's final season at the Cherries this September/October - keep an eye on this blog for more news about the Disrupted Season 2019-20.

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