Cherries: Cummings insists Howe can bring back the glory days (From Thisisdorset)

Cherries: Cummings insists Howe can bring back the glory days

9:45pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in Latest Sport By Ian Wadley

WARREN Cummings believes appointing Eddie Howe would prove “an absolute masterstroke” – with the Burnley boss poised for a sensational Cherries return.

Former club captain Cummings, who played alongside and under Howe for Cherries, insists the 34-year-old could surpass his previous Dean Court achievements second time round.

Howe is expected to be confirmed as Cherries’ new manager in the next 24 hours as the Goldsands Stadium outfit try to reach an agreement with Burnley.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, chairman Eddie Mitchell tonight revealed publicly for the first time Cherries had lodged an official approach with Burnley to speak to Howe.

Burnley, in a statement, confirmed they had received an “unwanted” approach for Howe but that permission had not been granted for Cherries to talk with the Clarets boss.

Although Howe took training at Burnley today, Mitchell said he was hopeful a deal would be concluded ahead of Cherries’ League One clash with Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Cummings, who made more than 300 appearances for the Dean Court club, was part of Howe’s Cherries team that avoided relegation to the Conference before winning promotion into League One.

The 32-year-old left-back, now plying his trade with AFC Wimbledon, reckons a return could only further enhance his old pal’s popular status among the Cherries faithful.

Cummings told the Daily Echo: “I would say probably 99 per cent of the supporters would be absolutely doing cartwheels to get Eddie Howe back.

“We never knew anything other than success under Eddie as a manager.

“Given the financial backing that Bournemouth clearly have now, he is capable of a helluva lot more. I am sure the supporters would be absolutely delighted.”

Cummings added: “Eddie is incredibly driven and incredibly focused. He has got very high standards and if you step out of line with him, then he will let you know in no uncertain terms.

“He is well organised, he knows the game and he will have only got better from being away and at a higher level as well.

“If he comes back, I think it is an absolute masterstroke from the club and only what the supporters deserve.”

News of Cherries’ interest in Howe was revealed exclusively by the Echo just hours after Groves had been relieved of his duties last Wednesday.