GIVEN his controlled and measured approach in press conferences, it is rare to hear even a smidge of irritation in the voice of Eddie Howe.

One occasion from April does come to mind, however.

With Roberto Martinez’s position at Everton precarious, Howe was linked with the manager’s role at Goodison Park. It was not the first time during the season that a situation of that sort had occurred.

“I don’t think I have to reaffirm my commitment here every week, which seems to be a regular pattern,” said Howe. “I love it here and am committed to the job.”

As always, Howe was polite and honest. But it was evident that facing another question over his future had irked him, if only slightly.

Such questions are sure to resurface when the Cherries boss this morning holds court with the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with West Brom.

While Howe’s mind will undoubtedly be on the methods his team must employ to dismantle the Baggies, Arsenal’s rumoured interest in the 38-year-old is undoubtedly the main talking point.

In an interview with talkSPORT yesterday, Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn stated Howe had no plans to leave the club “over the next two or three years”.

That stance is consistent with the loyalty Howe has always affirmed. But as long as he continues to do well, the same questions will always have to be answered.

Unfortunately for fans of Cherries, the football world at large likes Howe.

It seems there are few who do not think favourably of him, because of the way he conducts himself, because of the way his team play, because in a Premier League dominated by foreign managers, he offers a beacon of hope for the English game.

In this day and age, every club is clamouring for success, and fast. As Cherries manager, Howe has a proven track record of delivering on both of those scores.

It is not difficult to see why interested observers are growing in number.

Perhaps former Cherries, Liverpool and Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp summed it up best when he said of Howe: “He ticks every single box a chairman would want so he is going to be sought after.

“Of course there will come a time. You have got to try and better yourself and improve if you can.

“In the meantime, I’m sure Eddie goes home and feels very comfortable in his surroundings. He obviously loves it down there and the fans love him and rightly so – he’s been incredible.”

As Redknapp says, at some unspecified point in the future, Howe’s time as boss at Vitality Stadium will end. While this is a thought many Cherries supporters may not wish to dwell on, it is an inevitable reality.

When that will be remains open to debate. And the debate will rage furiously in Bournemouth and beyond until the day finally arrives.