Howe’s that?
AS well as Tony Pulis, AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has been attending to media duties this morning. Here’s what he had to say ahead of their last home game of the season.
“We are looking to put on a good performance and get a result for our supporters. They have been superb for us all season, they backed us the whole way, even through some tough times.
“They have never turned against us, they have stuck with us, they have clapped us off.Some other clubs in similar positions felt the burden of their fans. But ours stuck by us and we owe them.
“We have maintained the bond between supporters and players and that positivity, and that’s definitely been one of our strengths this year.
‘We want to end the season on a high and make our supporters feel good going into next season.
“Potentially we’ll see a more open game because both clubs are safe now. I know Tony rotated their team a little bit last week so it will be interesting to see what team Albion put out on Saturday, but our focus is on finishing the season on a high at home.
“It will be a tough game, they are a tough team to beat. Tony sets up his teams really well, they’ve had a really good season, and if we are to get anything out of the game, we have to earn it.
“There was only one big fear and that was that we would get relegated and lose everything we have worked towards and the great story that Bournemouth has been.
“Internally we felt a lot of pressure to maintain the story, our status and keep the club driving forward. Thankfully, the players have responded to all the difficulties they have faced throughout the season and we got there.
"It's a huge relief. I feel for those clubs that are still involved in it because there is a huge pressure on everybody with what is at stake, so the fact we are mathematically safe is nice.
“We can hopefully relax and play some good football on Saturday."
Howe also confirmed that Adam Smith, goalscorer in their 2-1 win at The Hawthorns in December, is out injured on Saturday, along with Sylvain Distin.