Bournemouth

Eddie Howe expects Bournemouth to be under "intense" scrutiny in Premier League

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 30 April 2015

Eddie Howe tells Sports Mole that he is unsure how he and his Bournemouth players will handle the "intense" scrutiny that they will be under in the Premier League.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has admitted that he is unsure if he and his players are prepared for the "intense" scrutiny that comes with being a Premier League club.

The Cherries all but secured promotion to the top flight with a 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on Monday evening.

Due to third-placed Middlesbrough having to score 19 goals to push them out of second spot, Bournemouth's historic feat will be confirmed after their final Championship match away to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

When asked by Sports Mole if he is prepared for the scrutiny that awaits, Howe replied: "It's a good question. That's probably the biggest change - not just for me, but for all of us, that includes the players. The focus we know now is going to be very intense - every move you make, every comment you make is going to be analysed and scrutinised.

"Whether we're prepared for that, I don't know. I think you can only say when it happens, but I think it goes with the territory. I'm quite a private guy and I like to do my work on the training pitch, but even I will recognise to a certain degree that's going to have to change and I'm going to have to get used to that."

Howe has also insisted that he envisages staying Cherries manager for the long term, and has issued a hands-off warning to any clubs considering summer bids for striker Callum Wilson.