YOUNG star Joe Partington believes Eddie Howe’s own experiences in the Cherries youth ranks can help bring the best out of him.

Partington has thrown his weight behind Howe, confirmed as the club’s new permanent boss yesterday, after spending most of this term as a frustrated onlooker from the Cherries dugout.

But with 31-year-old Howe’s position now set in stone until the end of the season, Partington believes the former Dean Court centre-half’s grounded football upbringing can help his own game flourish.

The Wales under-19 captain, who earned his first pro contract under Kevin Bond in the summer, told the Echo: “Eddie knows how I play and it’s good he’s the manager now.

“He’s been where I am and knows all I want to do is play football. I’m glad he’s now manager because I get on well with him.”

Partington capped his full league debut with a goal during Cherries’ 2-0 victory over Bury on December 20 – just a week after youth team boss Joe Roach tipped the homegrown talent to play a major part in the club’s quest to avoid the drop.

He said: “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Joe (Roach) so I’ll always have positive words to say about him.

“I’m really happy he’s got something to do with the first team because he’ll always be someone I look up to and respect.”

  • Cherries’ League Two clash against Bradford City at Dean Court has been rearranged for Tuesday, March 17 (kick-off 7.45pm). The clash was postponed due to a frozen pitch and tickets purchased for the original date remain valid.