CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe has hailed Marc Pugh as a “class act”.

Pugh is set to pass Howe in Cherries’ list of all-time leading appearance-makers, the pair currently locked on 262.

One of Howe’s first signings following the lifting of a transfer embargo in 2010, Pugh is in his eighth season at Dean Court.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Marc has been an unbelievable servant to the football club in so many different ways and not just on the pitch.

“He is an outsanding player but also someone whose character and attitude are a shining example in modern day football of how to live your life.

“He is one of the best role models for future generations of footballers and the guy is a class act.

“I believe in longevity of careers at one football club. If you have to right character, attitude and ability then loyal servants can be worth so much.

“You develop a real attachment to the club and I certainly did.

“Marc is in a group of players who has done that for this football club and they are very proud to have played for AFC Bournemouth and had the impact they have.”

Pugh, signed for £100,000 from Hereford, said he felt Howe had “all the attributes to be one of the best managers in the world”.

However, asked whether he had any plans to follow him into coaching and management, Pugh told the Daily Echo: “Definitely not!

“I know you have to work hard in everything you do but I see how hard coaches work.

“When I finish playing, I want to dedicate time to my family.

“I want to keep playing for as long as possible.

“I have a few irons in the fire for when I finish and did a nutrition course a few years ago so have that under my belt.

“But I am open minded and might not necessarily go down that route.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead and, hopefully, it is a long way off at the moment.”