Bournemouth announce return of Eddie Howe as manager

Eddie Howe (GETTY IMAGES)

Bournemouth have confirmed they have agreed a compensation package with Burnley to bring Eddie Howe back to Dean Court as manager.

Howe managed the Cherries for two years before moving to Turf Moor last January, and was immediately linked with the post following Paul Groves' exit last week.

Burnley confirmed a package had been agreed, saying in a statement that the 34-year-old had left "for personal and family reasons".

Clarets chief executive Lee Hoos yesterday described an approach from the npower League One side as "unwanted" and added that permission to talk to him had been refused, but it now transpires Howe will be returning to the south coast.

The ambitious Cherries have made a disappointing start to the 2012/13 campaign despite significant funding from wealthy Russian businessman Maxim Demin.

The likes of Lewis Grabban and Eunan O'Kane were brought in over the summer as they eyed a promotion push, but the Cherries have flattered to deceive so far, lying fourth from bottom in the table.

Former Burnley boss Owen Coyle, who was sacked by Bolton earlier this week, is the early favourite to replace Howe at Turf Moor, despite the fact he walked out on the club in January 2010 to take over at bitter rivals Wanderers.

PA