EDDIE Howe says he is determined to help repay Maxim Demin’s commitment to Cherries and insists: “I cannot see me leaving this club of my own accord.”

Howe, speaking to the Daily Echo on the fifth anniversary of his appointment as Cherries boss, has helped transform the club’s fortunes during two spells at Dean Court.

Thrust into the hot-seat with their Football League status on the line, he masterminded the Greatest Escape when Cherries clawed back a 17-point penalty - with the deficit still at 10 points when Howe took charge permanently - to avoid relegation in 2009.

And despite the club’s parlous financial position and an ongoing transfer embargo, he overcame the odds to plot their promotion to League One before leaving for Burnley in January 2011.

Tempted back in October 2012, Howe became only the second man in history to lead the club into the second flight – the Championship dream coming after a nightmare start to the campaign.

His achievements, together with those of his staff and players, went a long way to justifying Demin’s considerable investment – with Howe striking up an excellent working relationship with the Russian backer.

Howe said: “Maxim has put a lot of money into the club and a lot of trust in me. He has allowed me to express myself as a manager and that is all you can ask because it doesn’t always happen.

"He has given me a licence to run the football side of the club and, although he keeps a close eye on what we are doing, he also lets us get on with our jobs.

“I am in regular dialogue with him and I know where I stand. I am really happy working with the people at the club and working for Maxim. I enjoy a good relationship with him and the board.

“I want to see the club continue to move forwards and upwards and know Maxim shares that ambition.

“If we could match the success of the past five years, we would be in a good position.

“Nothing would please me more than to see us stabilise in this division and eventually look to move up. It may take some time but that is the aim.

“I don’t think you can ever look too far ahead in management. You can be well thought of one minute and not so well thought of the next.

“I have learned a great deal about life in recent years and, while the people here now remain, I cannot see me leaving this club of my own accord. Maxim, the board and the supporters have put a lot of faith in me and I want to repay them for that.”