Eddie Howe has dismissed reports linking himself with the Arsenal job, but is he right to?
The Bournemouth manager has just persuaded Jack Wilshere to join his club on loan for the season, as he looks to get his career back on track following a number of injury setbacks, and is said to have been chosen over a number of clubs due to their free-flowing playing style.
I imagine these claims are the same reasons why he is now being linked with taking over from Arsene Wenger when he is given the chop, and with his current contract set to end next summer, the rumours are going to increase the longer the season goes on.
Howe is just the first name to be linked as his possible replacement since the term has began, but he has moved quickly to pour cold water on the claims, whilst insisting he is more than happy in his current role.
He said: “I’d rather (see speculation about leaving) than people talking about the other alternative a manager has (the sack) but really this season is so new, we haven’t won a game yet, we are three games in.
“My only focus can be on trying to win the next game. My only focus can be on Bournemouth, every single minute of every single day, because if it is not then the team will suffer.
“I reiterate my commitment to Bournemouth again. I am very happy here.
“I believe I am a very loyal person to the people that I work for. I love the town, the club, the supporters and I want to see that association continue for as long as possible.
“(The comments) are meaningless. I don’t need to hear it. I want to win games here, we want to climb the league.
“My only aim is success for Bournemouth.”
A number of others have been linked with the previously, and have all blown over, but the main reason for Howe not to concentrate on such links are that he already has a job that needs his full attention. You also can’t pretend that the decision has even been made to part ways with Arsene Wenger, nor has the process of finding his replacement been put to work.
Would Howe be a realistic option to take over from Wenger? I know we all want Diego Simeone to take up the job, but there is no telling when he will leave his current role.
Pat J