Eddie Howe has batted off fresh speculation that he could take the role of England manager, but admitted it would be “the ultimate job in football”.
The Bournemouth manager, 38, caused a stir with fans after speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Watford.
He said: “I am committed here, I love the job. The England job is the ultimate job. I have signed players very recently and I am committed to them.
“I need to show them the same loyalty that they showed me. It’s all hypothetical. It’s not been a great week for football. It’s not ideal the England situation has come up again but I won’t get distracted.”
I really hope Eddie Howe doesn’t get the England job. Selfish, but enjoying seeing this Bournemouth team grow and Howe develop as a manager.
— Tom (@Worville) September 29, 2016
Give the England job to Eddie Howe. Young, progressive, hungry coach. Back him with a long term deal. Back him with time.
— Tank Chamberlayne (@crstig) September 27, 2016
Some fans took to Twitter to express relief, interpreting the conference comments as a sign Howe would stay at the club for the time being, while others called for him to take up the mantle of English football left vacant by Sam Allardyce’s dishonourable departure on Tuesday.
Hearing on #radio5 that Eddie Howe has reaffirmed his commitment to #afcb in the face of England speculation - priceless!
— L30n@ (@AFCB_B5) September 29, 2016
Would love to see #eddiehowe as england manager but who ever gets it is doomed until there's drastic changes in the @FA #englandmanager
— Sim Rowley (@SimRowley) September 29, 2016
Howe is credited with securing Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2014/15 season.
Eddie Howe saying the words "committed" & "not interested" when asked about the England job. Can we calm down now please. #afcb
— Sam Somers (@SamSomers123) September 29, 2016
Respected and esteemed by fans, Howe remained humble after the achievement, saying: “It shouldn’t be them thanking me, it should be me thanking them. It is a family club and deserves its moment in the sun.”
