Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell has tonight issued an impassioned plea to coveted manager Eddie Howe: “We want you to stay.”

Howe has been the subject of intense speculation this week, with Championship strugglers Crystal Palace having offered him the vacant manager’s post at Selhurst Park.

Mitchell confirmed the Eagles had lodged an official approach for Howe but also said another club had joined the race for his services.

And although Mitchell politely declined to reveal the identity of the second club, the Daily Echo understands Cherries’ League One rivals Charlton are hoping to speak to Howe.

It is also believed Burnley are monitoring the situation, with Howe still in the running to become the new manager at Turf Moor.

As Howe took charge of Cherries’ comprehensive 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle today, there was a very public show of support for the 33-year-old from the Dean Court faithful.

And speaking to the Echo tonight, Mitchell added his weight to calls for Howe to remain at the club.

He said: “I want him to stay, we’d be stupid not to.

“I’ve said many times, I think he’s the best manager outside of the Premier League.

“It’s his life, it’s his decision.”

Mitchell praised the Cherries fans, who chanted Howe’s name throughout this afternoon’s impressive victory.

He said: “I thought the supporters were fantastic, the team was fantastic and it’s what we want to do every week.

“It’s what we have been doing every week since I’ve been at the club.”

Discussing Howe, he added: “I’m 100 per cent behind Eddie, 100 per cent behind the club and I think we’re in a great position.

“We need to consolidate that and work for the end result, which must be finishing as high in the league as possible.

“I’ve always been 100 per cent behind him.

“I’ve never had to question his decisions and the way he works is fantastic. I’ve got people all around the stadium that work the same.

“It’s fantastic and it’s great to have those people about.”