Howe heading back to Bournemouth

Oct 12 2012

Bournemouth have confirmed they have agreed a compensation package with Burnley to bring Eddie Howe back to Dean Court as manager.

Howe managed the Cherries for two years before moving to Turf Moor last January, and was immediately linked with the post following Paul Groves' exit last week.

Burnley confirmed a package had been agreed, saying in a statement that the 34-year-old had left "for personal and family reasons".

Howe guided Bournemouth to promotion from npower League Two in 2010 but left the club early the following year, signing three-and-a-half-year deal with the Clarets.

He leaves the Lancashire club 16th in the npower Championship, joining a club in the League One relegation zone.

On Thursday, Clarets chief executive Lee Hoos described an approach from the League One side as "unwanted" and added that permission to talk to him had been refused, but it now transpires Howe will be returning to the south coast.

The ambitious Cherries have made a disappointing start to the 2012/13 campaign despite significant funding from wealthy Russian businessman Maxim Demin.

The likes of Lewis Grabban and Eunan O'Kane were brought in over the summer as they eyed a promotion push, but the Cherries have flattered to deceive so far, lying fourth from bottom in the table.

Former Burnley boss Owen Coyle, who was sacked by Bolton earlier this week, is the early favourite to replace Howe at Turf Moor, despite the fact he walked out on the club in January 2010 to take over at bitter rivals Wanderers.