Cherries: Boot boy Town backing Howe over Cotterill (From Bournemouth Echo)

Cherries: Boot boy Town backing Howe over Cotterill

7:00am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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DAVE Town – Steve Cotterill’s old boot boy – is hoping close pal Eddie Howe can get one over the new sheriff of Nottingham.

Town will be glued to his television when Howe’s Cherries face Cotterill’s Notts County in tonight’s eagerly-anticipated League Two showdown at Meadow Lane.

Now 33, Town, who came out of retirement to turn out for Bashley on Saturday, used to clean Cotterill’s boots while he was an apprentice at Dean Court in the early 1990s.

And although he describes Cotterill as “a great guy who always had time for me”, Town’s friendship with Howe and his affinity for Cherries both run much deeper.

Bournemouth-born Town made 66 appearances for Cherries before he was sold to Rushden & Diamonds for £30,000 in May 1999. He then helped Boston United claim the Conference title in 2002, while Cotterill also once tried to tempt him to sign for Cheltenham.

“I’ve known Eddie for years,” said Town. “We grew up together and came through the ranks at the club. He has gone on to do exceptionally well as manager. I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with him.

“I was lucky enough, or unlucky enough, to have to clean Steve’s boots as a schoolboy and he always used to look out for me. He always had a lot of time for me and I’ve always appreciated that over the years.

“I wish them both well but my loyalties are definitely with Bournemouth. I want to see them promoted, I want to see them beat Notts County and I want Eddie to succeed.”

Town, who scored for Cherries in a 2-0 win at Meadow Lane in February 1997, knows Cotterill and Howe will have their respective sides well prepared – and will both be gunning for victory.

He added: “I know Steve has got a tremendous will to win and a great desire to do well. I’m sure he will want to get one over his old club as well so, fingers crossed, he doesn’t.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to play under Eddie because that would have been good. But I’m lucky enough to have him as a friend and am proud of what he’s done.”