EX-Cherries skipper Jason Pearce revealed the influence of Eddie Howe had fuelled his desire to move into management once he retires from playing.

Pearce, Howe's on-field lieutenant during the club's Greatest Escape in 2009, led the congratulatory sentiments after the Cherries boss had been named manager of the decade at the Football League’s 10th annual awards ceremony.

The 27-year-old centre-half, currently plying his trade with Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic, said the accolade had been “fitting and fully deserved”.

And Pearce, a defensive linchpin as Cherries unexpectedly rose through the ranks during Howe’s first spell in charge, said any future of his own in the dugout would undoubtedly be shaped by his Dean Court mentor.

Pearce told the Daily Echo: “I had a great relationship with Ed and sent him a message as soon as I saw it but the award came as no surprise.

“I learned a lot from him when I was younger. He was very approachable but at the same time so thorough in everything he did and I have kept those experiences in my mind whenever I have moved on.

“As a player you try to pick up different things from every manager you play under but I took so much from Eddie on a personal level as well as professionally, things that will stay with me for the rest of my career.

“Hopefully, I still have many years left to play but one day, I would like to think I have the personality to become a manager myself and there are so many of his traits I would like to take with me.”

Meanwhile, Pearce cited Howe’s steadfast philosophy as the reason behind his continued success.

“The standard he expects is always so high and I know he will be exactly the same now Bournemouth are in the promotion race,” added Pearce.

“The level makes no difference, he just demands the very best from everyone and if you’re not at it, he will soon let you know.

“He set out his stall very early in terms of what he expected from players and let them know who was boss. He had the respect of the lads straight away.

“The one thing with Eddie is that he hates losing and you don’t want to be around him when you do but in with all that, he is a nice, genuine man. He is good to be around and that makes you want to run through brick walls.”

Pearce continued: “We (Wigan) have a tough end to the season and my focus is on that but I would like to wish Bournemouth all the best in their promotion push. I had a great time there, always look out for their results and want them to do well.”