Premier League

Which Club Will Take a Gamble on Eddie Howe?

Eddie Howe is the third longest serving manager in the English game with the Cherries boss having been in the Bournemouth hot-seat since October 2012.

The 41-year-old is one of the top flight’s most sought-after coaches and his stock has risen considerably over the past couple of seasons. He is continually linked with jobs at bigger clubs but has remained faithful to the South Coast side so far. He certainly looks destined for bigger things but will anyone take a chance on this talented coach?

Howe is an incredibly popular figure around the Vitality Stadium, having prevented the club from plummeting out of the Football League and helping guide them to the Premier League. The Cherries were promoted to the top flight at the end of the 2014-15 campaign and the Amersham-born boss has won 41 of his 131 games managing at the top level.

He is renowned for improving players and getting the most out of average performers. He is a decent motivator, and the Bournemouth squad clearly enjoy working under his stewardship. He is under contract at the club until 2020 but the majority of fans are resigned to him inevitably leaving the South Coast. He is a highly respected coach who has a terrific reputation, but will any of the top six clubs offer him a contract?

Jose Mourinho was sacked on December 18th and his dismissal opened up yet another vacancy in the top flight. Eddie Howe’s name has been linked with the role – but, realistically, they are likely to look elsewhere. The Portuguese reportedly struggled to deal with some of the egos in the squad and the Red Devils are now 14/1 in the latest Premier League betting markets to finish in the top four. Whilst Howe’s style of football would be welcomed at Old Trafford, he is unlikely to have the gravitas to turn the club around and manage players such as Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez.

Pep Guardiola has previously told reporters that he believes Eddie Howe can manage a top Premier League club and he was also linked to the vacancy at the Emirates during the summer. Arsenal opted for Unai Emery and the Spaniard is likely to be in it for the long haul.

Spurs would seemingly be the perfect fit for Eddie Howe with Daniel Levy tending to give managers plenty of time to build a squad and fully implement their own style. Mauricio Pochettino has done a superb job but has been heavily linked with the vacancy at Real Madrid and could also be tempted by a move to Manchester United.

The 41-year-old would have plenty to prove at White Hart Lane but he would be given ample time and would also be respected by the fans. He has never handled world-class players, but the likes of Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane are the kind of footballers who should thrive under Howe’s favoured style. Some Spurs fans on social media have suggested that they would welcome the current Bournemouth gaffer with open arms should Pochettino depart North London this season.

Howe has a proven track record at Bournemouth and he has a bright future in the top flight. Spurs look the likeliest club to take a chance on the Cherries gaffer but he may have to the patient for the time being.

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