No, the success of his time at Bournemouth doesn't depend on your definition. He took over when they were in league two, with a 17 point deduction and a transfer embargo. Kept them up against those odds, then got them promoted the next season (embargo still in place). Went to Burnley for a while, came back and got them promoted again to the Championship. Consolidated then promoted again. Then had them going well for a while in the Prem. This at a club that before Howe managed them, other than a very brief spell in 2nd tier during the late 80's/early 90's, hadn't been above the third tier since before the 1920s.
What I said was Bournemouth are in a better place than when he left mate. They were relegated when he left and have been promoted, so it's a fact.
Steve Bruce got Hull promoted.
