CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell has moved to reassure supporters following speculation over Eddie Howe’s future by vowing: I will do everything I can to keep him.

Mitchell admitted he felt Howe was “worthy of a Premier League job” after the 35-year-old’s odds for the Everton managerial vacancy had yesterday shortened dramatically from 80-1 to 6-1 with William Hill.

That came after the highly-rated Cherries boss had also been talked up for the post at Championship rivals Millwall, as well as a possible job at Brighton, where Gus Poyet’s role remains in doubt.

Howe, who had drifted to between 10 and 33-1 to become David Moyes’s Goodison Park successor when the Daily Echo went to press, saw his stock rise after masterminding Cherries’ momentous promotion campaign.

Speaking earlier this month, Howe said he was “100 per cent focused” on Cherries as he prepares for the club’s second-tier return next term.

And although Mitchell is not surprised by speculation linking Howe with a top-flight switch, he is determined to retain his services.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “I think he is worthy of a Premier League job. We don’t want to lose him but he is a fantastic manager and you can’t take that away from him. His record speaks for itself so he is bound to be linked with Premier League clubs.

“If I was a boss of a Premier League club, I would be looking for somebody young and dynamic and someone who could bed in and stay for a long period of time. I am hardly surprised that, because of his record, he is linked with Premier League jobs.

“I couldn’t see Eddie going to another Championship club, to be quite honest, because his heart and desire to do well with us is very strong.

“It is paramount I do everything I can to keep him and I will do so. All I can do is my best. We speak regularly, he loves what he is doing and we love him doing it.”

Mitchell reported that Cherries had not received any approaches for Howe.

Meanwhile, Cherries have confirmed details of pre-season away matches against the area’s three leading non-league clubs.

Wimborne Town will host a Cherries team on Saturday, July 6 (3pm) before Bashley entertain Eddie Howe’s men on Wednesday, July 10 (7.45pm). Fellow promoted outfit Poole Town welcome Cherries to Tatnam on Thursday, July 18 (7.45pm).