MANAGER Eddie Howe has revealed that he has been impressed by the passion and footballing knowledge of Cherries co-owner Maxim Demin.

The Russian businessman’s financial support is understood to have enabled Cherries to bring Howe back as successor to Paul Groves in October.

Since then, Howe and Demin have met on numerous occasions to discuss their plans as Cherries bid to claim promotion to the Championship.

Demin arrived at Dean Court last November after striking a deal to buy 50 per cent of the Dorset club from Jeff Mostyn and Steve Sly for a figure believed to have been in the region of £850,000.

He has never spoken publicly about his involvement with Cherries – but Howe says he has seen first-hand Demin’s passion for the club.

The Cherries boss told the Daily Echo: “He is very knowledgeable and he has got a good football brain. I have enjoyed our meetings with him and been very impressed with him.”

Demin is a regular spectator at Dean Court and he has seen Howe mastermind a 13-game unbeaten run since returning to the Cherries hot-seat.

Speaking to the Echo last month, chairman and co-owner Eddie Mitchell said: “Myself and Max have had two or three meetings with Eddie and Jason (Tindall, assistant manager) and I think we can be successful – no problem.”