CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe refused to take credit for winning the Premier League manager-of-the-month award and insisted it had been a team effort.

Howe was recognised after piloting his side to an unbeaten October which included top-flight wins over Crystal Palace, Watford and Fulham and a draw against Southampton.

Those results steered Cherries into the top six, where they remain despite last weekend's dramatic late defeat to Manchester United.

Howe has now won the award on three occasions, previous gongs coming in January 2018 and March 2017.

Asked how many seconds of personal pride he had allowed himself, the manager said: "Nought point nought something because for me these things are always about the team.

"It's never an individual award. One person alone does nothing but together with the team of staff and players I have, who have been incredible this season to this point, that's how you achieve things.

"It's one point in a season and we have to make sure we focus on the games we have coming up. They are going to be hugely important but it 's a reward for the whole club.

"I'm very proud of the team. We know how difficult it is to consistently get positive results at this level. The challenge you face from other teams is very strong.

"It was a really good month for us. I thought the players were excellent in their mindset and how they approached the games. How we saw out games when we were winning was very professional.

"These things are really important because the momentum built from such periods of form can certainly help your season."