Pick Of The Cherries - December 19th

Last updated : 19 December 2006 By Bournemouth Co-Ordinator
Eddie Howe has stepped up to become a player-coach at Dean Court. His duties include managing the Reserves, which are currently being looked after by Joe Roach.

Eddie also scouted Forest before their recent trip to Dean Court.

Kevin Bond is quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying: "He is someone I've known for a long time and a person I've got a lot of respect for. He is a thoughtful guy and was interested in the post. He will retain his player status because he is still very much part of my plans, but this will give him an opportunity to see how he likes it and to see how he adjusts and copes".

Meanwhile, Sam Vokes, is to be offered a professional contract. The 17-year old has impressed everyone in stepping up to first team duties in recent weeks.

Speaking in the Bournemouth Evening Echo, Kevin Bond is quoted as saying: "I just need to have a chat with him and his parents to see what they think and we'd like to get him on a proper contract. I spoke to him last week and told him we would take care of it. I told him we were aware of his current situation and were looking at it. At a difficult time, Sam has come as a really pleasant surprise. He's a player we've got on the books who we didn't think we had. We included him in training for a week and thought 'blimey, he's not bad'. But you never know how they are going to react to a game situation when they are so young".