CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes his League One manager-of-the-month award is deserved recognition for his players and the way they finished the season.

Howe, who masterminded Cherries’ promotion to the Championship, saw off Doncaster’s Brian Flynn and Gary Johnson of Yeovil to land the prize for April.

Cherries’ record-breaking conclusion to the campaign saw them embark on a nine-match unbeaten run, including a club-best eight wins in succession.

Howe’s men claimed the runners-up spot – with a bizarre chain of events during the promotion showdown between Brentford and eventual champions Doncaster depriving them of the title.

“I am delighted with the award and it is recognition of the run the team went on,” said Howe, who also won the monthly award for November.

“When the pressure was really on and we knew we had to win games, the players came through when they needed to and that was the pleasing aspect from my perspective.

“There was a lot at stake during the final two months of the season and it is a hallmark of a good team that you deliver when the pressure is on. The lads certainly did that.”

The panel comprised former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Football League chief operating officer Andy Williamson, League Managers’ Association deputy CEO Olaf Dixon and Katy Thomas, npower partnerships and sponsorships manager.

Cherries midfielder Harry Arter, who was nominated for the League One player-of-the-month award for April, missed out to Oldham Athletic striker Matt Smith.

Curbishley said: “Eddie Howe made a fantastic impact following his appointment at Bournemouth and his team’s form in April was a vital ingredient which ensured they will now be playing Championship football next season.”

Commenting from npower, partnership and sponsorship manager Thomas added: “It was clearly a great month for both winners. Eddie Howe has been an absolute revelation in his return to the south coast and this final month really showed why the Cherries deserve to be playing Championship football next season.”