Howe has proven in 2016/17 he’s ideal Koeman successor at Everton

Follow us on Google Discover

AFC Bournemouth finished ninth in the Premier League this season, proving why Eddie Howe is the perfect next choice as Everton manager.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe

If reports in the Mirror are to be believed then Ernesto Valverde will be named as Luis Enrique’s successor as Barcelona manager on May 29.

That appointment would put an end to any concerns Everton fans may have had that Ronald Koeman would return as boss to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player.

After admitting managing Barca would be a dream (and also committing his immediate future to the Toffees, it must be said) in early May there has been increasing speculation Koeman will leave Goodison Park after an impressive debut season on Merseyside.

That now looks unlikely to be this summer but if, or when, the Dutchman departs then his ideal replacement is quietly going about his work as part of one of the Premier League’s biggest success stories – Eddie Howe.

A 1-1 draw at Leicester City on the final day of the season saw AFC Bournemouth finish ninth in the table after a campaign in which they were never serious contenders for relegation.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe before the match

That means Howe is the highest placed British manager of 2016/17, and yet he does not bang the drum of homegrown coaches being overlooked, but rather concentrates on getting positive results for a Cherries side that seven years ago were in Sky Bet League Two and whom Howe has brought through the divisions.

Some say his work in the transfer market is a little poor – although 16-goal hero Josh King was a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers in 2015 – but with the right support, from people such as director of football Steve Walsh at Goodison Park for example, that could improve.

It’s more important that Howe is an ambitious boss with almost ten years’ experience in management despite still only being 39-years-old. He deserves his shot at one of the bigger clubs. Oh, and he’s a lifelong Everton fan.