Bournemouth’s Howe relishing Phelan showdown

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will lock horns with Mike Phelan for the first time on Saturday, and insists the new Hull City manager is fully deserving of his new role.

The Cherries come into the game off the back of consecutive home wins over West Bromwich Albion and Everton, and Howe is desperate to keep the momentum going at the Vitality Stadium.

But with a galvanised Hull in town, the 38-year-old insists that is no easy task, and Howe insists Phelan’s side have been playing like a new team entirely in recent weeks.

“He’s done a very good job,” he said. “A lot was made of their summer in the press about the lack of new signings, but that has probably helped them in some ways to create a siege mentality.

“They’ve certainly started the season very well. The most impressive thing he has done is change the way they play – they are a very attractive team to watch.

“We know they are going to pose a threat, but as always we need to focus on our own preparation in the build up.

“We know the importance of this game, but we know the importance of every game. We feel the pressure in every match to perform and pick up points. Ultimately that’s what will get you where you want to be at the end of the season.

“Every home game, especially with the form we are in at home, we feel is very, very important. As a footballer you should enjoy coming out to play at home in front of your own supporters.”