Eddie Howe: Bournemouth boss feels 'privileged' to lead team
Last updated on .From the section Football
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says it is a 'privilege' to be the manager of the Championship table-toppers.
The Cherries hold a one-point advantage with three games to go, and are on the verge of sealing top-flight status for the first time in their history.
"Our dressing room is always a special place to be," 37-year-old Howe told BBC Radio Solent.
"I think we have a unique atmosphere and I feel privileged to be in there leading the team."
He continued: "Hopefully the players feel privileged to play in the team because you have so many special characters within it.
"You can feel an electricity in there and a willingness to go out and perform."
Midfielder Harry Arter also hailed the spirit which has helped the side move to within touching distance of the Premier League.
"I do think every member of the team and staff do have belief we can do it," he said.
"The feeling in the changing room before games is a feeling I've never really felt before, it's a real togetherness. Everyone knows what we have to do and I'm confident we will do it."
| Three games to go - Championship promotion race | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B'mouth | Norwich | Watford | M'brough | Derby | Ipswich |
| Sheff Wed (h) | M'brough (h) | Birmingham (h) | Norwich (a) | Huddersfield (a) | Wolves (a) |
| Bolton (h) | Rotherham (a) | Brighton (a) | Fulham (a) | Millwall (a) | Nottm Forest (h) |
| Charlton (a) | Fulham (h) | Sheff Wed (h) | Brighton (h) | Reading (h) | Blackburn (a) |
With only two points separating the top four in the Championship, and only two automatic promotion places available, Bournemouth need to capitalise on playing two of their remaining games at home.
And Howe has called on the club's supporters to roar them to victory against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and Bolton on 27 April.
"You always want to play at home," he said. "The away games are tough and the last two have been really tough and navigated and managed well. We look to these two games and hopefully they are pivotal.
"Hopefully our crowd can inspire us. The players have got to do their bit and they've got to get the crowd with us, but if I can ask the Bournemouth people to bring their singing voices and try and inspire the players in what will be two very important games.
He added: "There are key stages in games where you need the crowd to lift you or inspire you and that's what I'm talking about. Can we create a carnival atmosphere that takes our players to another level?"
