Eddie Howe truly is Mr. AFC Bournemouth. His return sparked an unbelievable turnaround in a season where they were seen as realistic contenders beforehand but struggled early on under Paul Groves. Only one win, away to Yeovil, was achieved before Howe returned after nearly two years away managing Championship Burnley. His reasons for coming back were understandable; the club meant too much to him, and to be fair to Burnley, they also empathised with his decision. He comes back and the club is completely rejuvenated, they shoot up the league table after a long unbeaten run, getting the very best and a little bit more out of a good squad of players. It was what the club needed after a turbulent time, mainly concerning outspoken owner Eddie Mitchell, but to his credit, the decision to bring back Howe was the correct one. A crucial factor in the club's eventual promoion was another returning favourite, Brett Pitman, who could not stop scoring in the run in. Such was the nature of the top of League One, any two teams could have gone up, and Bournemouth slipped a long way down after a five match losing streak, the only real blip. That run involved one amazing moment when Eunan O'Kane conceded a penalty for picking up the ball. Anyway, the team was soon back on track and promotion was confirmed on the penulimate weekend of the season after Brentford failed to beat Hartlepool. The loss of the title at the last minute to Doncaster was a minor disappointment. Under the boyish Howe, it seems as if the only way is up still for a club back in the second tier for the first time in over 20 years. More exciting times ahead I think, but the squad could do with a little strengthening.
