EDDIE Howe admitted he had enjoyed meeting Gary Lineker – a player he had idolised as a youngster.

Cherries boss Howe was interviewed by the former England striker for The Premier League Show, screened by the BBC on Thursday night.

Howe said: “It was nice, it was a nice change. Press conferences are lovely but they are not intimate because it’s not one-on-one!

“Gary was a bit of an idol for me when I was growing up so it was really good to meet him.”

The boss added: “Promoting the club and building the club’s image and name is one of my big responsibilities.

“I think it’s important Bournemouth does build. Football is a huge industry around the world and we are still very much growing our club.”