JEFF Mostyn has hailed Eddie Howe’s “outstanding leadership qualities” and says the Cherries boss “breathed new life” into the club on his return.

Chairman Mostyn was on the board when Cherries turned to Howe during one of the club’s darkest hours and tasked him with reviving their fortunes.

And Howe, who was reappointed two years ago today, exceeded expectations by guiding Cherries to promotion before leading them to the highest finishing position in their history.

In an interview to mark Howe’s second anniversary, Mostyn told the Daily Echo: “Eddie’s return has coincided with the most successful period in the club’s history, both on and off the pitch, and that is no coincidence.

“We were only heading in one direction before he came back and that was the wrong direction. There was a real danger of us losing our League One status and things weren’t right with the playing structure of the football club.

“In his two years, we were promoted to the second tier for only the second time in our history and finished 10th in the Championship, two places and four points higher than the previous best. Those achievements demonstrate just how successful he has been.

“But there is a lot more to it than what has happened on the pitch and Eddie the person has made a huge difference.

"Before he came back, everybody was worried about the future and there were concerns whether Maxim (Demin) would be more than disappointed with what was going on.

“Eddie’s return coincided with a transformation in the team’s fortunes and in a transformation of the spirit of the club. You only have to spend a few minutes in his company to realise how much this club means to him and how determined he is to bring more success.”

Mostyn, who was also on the board during Howe’s first spell in the hot seat, added: “He is a tremendous ambassador for the club. He is one of the few managers who thinks before he speaks and he won’t say anything without considering the consequences, not only to himself, but to the image of the club as well. He is AFC Bournemouth through and through.

“Despite his success, he has an insatiable appetite for learning and his preparation for matches is second to none.

"Nobody should underestimate the part Jason and Eddie’s backroom team have played in the success. All successful managers have to be surrounded by people they trust and have confidence in.

“Eddie has put together his team and they are unsung heroes. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly and his preparation leaves nothing to chance. The team he has put together has been fundamental not only in the success we are enjoying now but in taking the club forward to an even greater level.

“The football club is not just about the first team and Eddie is sowing the seeds for our future success. He is ensuring the ethos will be the same from the youngest age group in the academy right through to the first team.

“I think that is the cornerstone of the success of the club and how it has changed everybody’s perception, both on and off the pitch. Eddie has been responsible for a complete transformation of the footballing ideology in just two years and that is something he cannot be praised enough for. We are very fortunate to have him as our manager.”