Howe Earning Respect at Bournemouth

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe should be singled out for special praise.

The 32-year-old is the youngest manager in the Football League, but he’s certainly got the financially-stricken Cherries going this term and they look a decent bet to finish the season with promotion to League One. Howe has been a revelation since he took over from Jimmy Quinn in January 2009.

Howe guided the south-coast outfit to safety despite a 17-point penalty after the club went into administration and the side have gone from strength to strength this season.

It seems Howe, who had two spells as a player at Dean Court, has instilled a real team ethic and despite the financial troubles of the League Two outfit Howe has guided them into second place. With 11 games to go they are well positioned for automatic promotion despite the fact they have only been able to name four subs on the bench for the majority of the season.

The rookie boss has developed a strong backbone to the Bournemouth side and they have proved to be well-drilled and a powerful unit so far this season. Howe has also gained the respect of his players, some of which are his senior, and must surely be in the running for League Two manager of the year regardless of whether they are promoted or not.

Cherries midfielder Marvin Bartley said: "It's been great working under him and obviously he's a good up-and-coming manager."

Meanwhile, England have been dealt a blow with the news that David Beckham is set to miss the World Cup.

The side are many fans' World Cup tips but it looks like they will have to do without a number of important players with Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand also struggling for fitness.

In horse racing news, the Cheltenham weather looks set fair for this year's Festival and it should be a great four days.