CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe says he would have no hesitation in handing Stephen Purches his first taste of the Championship.

Purches continued his comeback following a double leg break when he lined up in his own testimonial against West Ham at Dean Court on Saturday.

The 33-year-old, who snapped the tibia and fibula in his right leg in February 2012, came on as a second-half substitute during a 2-0 defeat by the Hammers.

Purches has made more than 400 appearances for Cherries and Orient – all in the bottom two divisions – and was recently appointed player-coach by Howe.

But despite giving him responsibility for the club’s development squad, Howe is adamant the versatile midfielder could still have a part to play on the pitch.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I thought he did really well when he came on. He has got a lot of experience behind him and has a very cool head. You never know when we might need that this season and I would never shut the door on anybody.

“He will rotate his work and won’t just be with the development squad. We will have him training with us at times and, between him and Chris Hargreaves, the development squad will be well looked after. We will have half an eye on Purchy and, if we need him, we would certainly use him.”

Asked whether he felt Purches could have a future in management, Howe replied: “It is difficult to know. He has certainly got the dedication and the brain, which are so important. I don’t know what his aims are and luck plays a part as well.

“He could have the capabilities to go all the way and make a really good manager. It depends on whether that is his motivation or he just wants to coach.”

Asked what advice he would give Purches should he consider going down the management route, Howe said: “Think long and hard before doing it. I would say that to anybody because it is such an all-consuming job. You have to make a lot of sacrifices and the pressures and demands that come with the job are extreme.

“But if he is determined to take that path then I would certainly encourage him to do it because, although it is a rollercoaster and the highs and lows are extreme, it is a great job and there is an addiction that drives you to do it.”

Howe added: “These are special days because they are always for people who have given their heart and soul to the football club. I am delighted for Purchy. He deserves it and, hopefully, the day will live long in the memory for him.

“He is such a good pro who has lived his life correctly and has made a lot of sacrifices. He has also had a lot of heartbreak with the injury and this will certainly put a seal on it to say it was all worthwhile and that people have appreciated his efforts. He has been an unsung hero and has never really grabbed the headlines. To see someone rewarded in that fashion makes it all the sweeter.”