JASON Tindall admits he "never really thought about" taking the manager's job at Cherries until Eddie Howe left the club.

Tindall was selected as Cherries' new boss on Saturday, a week after Howe departed Vitality Stadium by mutual consent.

And taking to the hot seat for his first press conference as manager, Howe's former assistant Tindall said it was something he hadn't seen coming.

"Myself and Ed had a conversation on Saturday (August 1) morning," he explained.

"He told me of his decision. I was a little bit surprised by it because we had spoken in the week building up to that but he didn't want to compromise me in any way by letting me know his final decision once he had made it and spoken to his family so I was a little bit surprised on the Saturday yes."

Asked if this was a job he had always seen himself doing one day, Tindall added: "To be honest until the decision was made by Eddie, it was one that I never really thought about too much.

"Obviously I'll be my own man for sure, but at the same time Ed is a friend and we will be speaking and meet up from time to time.

"If I had any doubt that I wasn't capable of doing the job or continuing the success the football club has had then I certainly wouldn't have taken it."

Having spent more than 20 years at the club as a player and assistant manager, Tindall was quizzed on the emotions he has gone through since taking the top job, ahead of the new Championship season beginning on September 12.

"I'm absolutely overwhelmed," said Tindall.

"It's a club that's so close to my heart. I've been here for a long time and I'm really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

"I'm really excited and can't wait to get started. The players report back on Monday and I'm really looking forward to seeing everybody and hope we can have a year of success now."