EDDIE Howe insisted a decision on whether backroom boys Stephen Purches and Carl Fletcher wished to pursue a career in management would be down to them.

Purches has been cutting his teeth coaching Cherries under-21s, while Fletcher, who had a testing 15-month spell in charge at Plymouth, looks after the club’s under-18s.

Asked by the Daily Echo whether he thought either would fancy a top job, Howe replied: “Management can do several things to you.

"You could get a job, it doesn’t quite go well and it could turn you away or it could inspire you to want to have another go and come back better prepared.

“It is difficult without sitting down and talking to them about where they see their respective career paths.

“I think Carl could be whatever he wants. It really depends on him and where he sees his motives and what he wants to do.

“I definitely see a future manager with Purchy. I think he is an outstanding young coach with all the right ingredients. Again, it will be dictated by what he wants.”

Asked whether either would leave with his blessing, Howe said: “I would always help the individual concerned.

“Our relationships have been so strong over a long period of time so you would always do what’s best for them and try to help them achieve what dreams they want in their careers.

"It’s a short career so I would have no problems there. But I can assure people that both are very committed to AFC Bournemouth at the moment.”