CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe took time out of preparations for the two biggest games in his club’s history to open a new gym in Broadstone.

The Bournemouth manager, whose side faces Bolton at home on Monday night then Charlton away for the season finale, cut the red ribbon on the Junction Sports & Leisure Centre’s revamped £400,000 gym.

AFCB are chasing automatic promotion to the Premier League and a win over Bolton could significantly enhance their chances.

But that didn’t stop Eddie, who has just been named the first Football League manager of the decade at the 10th annual Football League awards ceremony, from honouring his previous engagement.

Sports Centre manager Martin Stockley said: “We are very thankful that Eddie could spare time to come over here for our opening.This is the official launch, the new gym has been running since March 9 but we wanted a local personality with great links to the community to mark the occasion. Eddie fits the bill perfectly.”

Mr Stockley explained the new gym has equipment never seen before at the centre, including a modern functional training rig and virtual bikes which users can pedal peddle ‘virtually’ through New York.

He added: “This gym has the most up-to-date, highest spec, cardiovascular equipment from Cybex International on the shop floor and also has a huge wall, all done in black and white graphics, with motivational quotes.

“The feedback has been fantastic, we have more than 2,000 members.”

The gym was taken over by Bournemouth YMCA in 2009 and since then around £700,000 has been spent on upgrades.

Sheena Dayman, from the YMCA, said: “This is very exciting for the YMCA because what we are about is changing people’s lives and that is exactly what we are doing here, helping to make a difference.”

YMCA chief financial officer Jackie Weedon described the official opening as a “momentous day.”

Jackie, a AFCB season ticket holder, added: “It is really good of Eddie to come at a time like this, especially after a busy night being awarded manager of the decade. I’m very nervous about the next two games. Unfortunately I haven’t got a ticket for the Charlton game, I’ve given it to our son but I will be at the Bolton game.”