CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe maintained his focus on a "vital" festive schedule after today being named League One manager of the month for November.

News of the Cherries boss’s accolade was exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo via Twitter just after 7am this morning before being confirmed by Sky Sports News at 8.45am.

Howe has led Cherries to 12 matches unbeaten since his return to the club in October, while the Dorset side have also reached the third round of the FA Cup.

Cherries continued their form under Howe last month as they registered three league wins and two draws, as well as a cup victory.

Howe fended off competition for the award from MK Dons manager Karl Robinson and Brentford’s Uwe Rosler. The duo had claimed five wins and two draws with their respective clubs during November.

Howe told Sky Sports: “This is all down to the team.

“Ever since we have come back in, the players have been excellent as has the staff around me, and the supporters have also more than played their part in that run we have been on.

“(Christmas) is a very vital time for us. We have got a lot of games as have the other teams but we are still in catch-up mode at the moment. We have still got a lot of work to do to get up to the top two and the top six, so these games will be pivotal against our rivals at the top end of the table.”