Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe leaves club by mutual consent

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has left the club by mutual consent.

The Cherries, who were relegated from the Premier League this season, announced the news on social media on Saturday.

“Eddie Howe has left #afcb by mutual consent,” a tweet read. “It’s been an unbelievable journey, thank you so much for the memories Eddie.”

Howe represented Bournemouth as a player between 1994 and 2002, making 200 appearances. He then returned to the club in 2004 before retiring in 2007 – having stepped out another 53 times.

The 42-year-old was appointed caretaker manager in December 2008, with the club sitting on -17 points at the bottom of the Football League.

He secured safety for the south coast team and followed that season with promotion from League Two.

After a brief stint at Burnley, Howe returned to his former club and proceeded to achieve two further promotions in three seasons, leading the Cherries to the Premier League.

The side’s five-year spell in the top flight came to an end last month when they finished 18th, one point behind Aston Villa.

Howe said: “Having spent a total of 25 years with the club as both a player and a manager, this decision is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make.

“Now is the right time for the club to go in a new direction.”