TED MacDougall would love to see Eddie Howe stay and continue his Cherries success story – but admitted only the highly-rated manager would know if the time was right to depart Dean Court.

The Cherries legend was speaking to the Daily Echo after uncertainty surrounding Howe’s future continued over the weekend.

Crystal Palace have offered Howe the chance to fill the vacant manager’s post at Selhurst Park, with chairman Eddie Mitchell confirming the Eagles had lodged an official approach for Howe.

And although Mitchell politely declined to reveal the identity of the club, he also confirmed that a second outfit had joined the race for the 33-year-old.

The Daily Echo understands Cherries’ League One rivals Charlton are hoping to speak to Howe, while Burnley are believed to be monitoring the situation as they search for Brian Laws’s replacement.

MacDougall knows Howe well and has seen him at work, with the Cherries goalscoring hero having given Brett Pitman a finishing masterclass during training in the summer.

When asked if he would like to see Howe stay, MacDougall said: “Absolutely. There’s nobody wants to see Bournemouth do well more than me.

“I love the club and I also think the world of Eddie.

“But at the end of the day, Bournemouth have got to realise they may have a commodity on their hands and I think it’s more how Eddie perceives the opportunity and if it’s the right opportunity and right time.

“It goes without saying that everybody would want him to stay, which is kind of nice for a manager. Usually, they all want you to go!”

Asked if he thought Howe was cut out for going up the ladder, he said: “Yes, absolutely.

“I think he’s got a lot of qualities and he would do a really good job.

“He’s got a good manner, a great manner with the players and I’ve seen him interact with the players. I don’t think that’s an issue.”