BOSS Eddie Howe led Cherries to the Championship title and then played down talk of being tipped as a future England manager.

Howe has been widely touted as a possible candidate to one day manage his country following his exploits with Cherries.

However, after presiding over Cherries’ promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history, Howe insisted his focus remained with the Dorset club.

Asked whether he aspired to be England boss, he replied: “I am a very patriotic Englishman and I loved watching England as a kid and always wanted them to do well in the World Cups.

“I am very patriotic towards my country but I’ve got no visions beyond trying to make sure I don’t get the sack next season. That is my focus.”

Howe, 37, was also asked whether he saw himself as a trend-setter for other British managers: “I just try to do the best job I can. I am not trying to be anyone other than myself and to do the job the way I see it should be done.

“I like to play good, attractive football and I like to try to find new ways to work and new ideas. Those are some of my core beliefs. What people think of me beyond that is up to them.”

  • See Tuesday’s Daily Echo for a commemorative 16-page supplement of Cherries’ historic promotion-winning season.

It includes a look back at all 46 league games and a detailed review of the campaign, together with the season in numbers and a graph showing Cherries’ position after every match.

And Thursday’s paper includes a bumper picture special, capturing the season through the eyes of the supporters.