Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe plays down link to Everton job

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has distanced himself from speculation linking him to Roberto Martinez's job at Everton.

Martinez has been under fire from the supporters due to the Toffees' position in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Reports have claimed that the club's board are planning to meet in the coming days, and Martinez could be shown the door next week.

Howe, who has kept Bournemouth in the top flight in their first season ever in the division, has been linked as a potential replacement for Martinez, but the 38-year-old has insisted that he is committed to the Cherries.

"I don't think I have to reaffirm my commitment here every week, which seems to be a regular pattern," Howe told reporters in Friday's press conference. "I love it here and I'm committed to the job. You've got to win games to stay in work and I'm fully committed to this job here.

"When you're a manager yourself you have the full support and understanding of other managers. It's a very difficult profession and you're judged constantly every week on your results, on a lot of aspects of your job. It's very tough at this level."

Everton fans are expected to protest against Martinez in tomorrow's game against Bournemouth at Goodison Park.