EDDIE Howe described as a “very special moment” the reception he received from Cherries’ fans after tonight’s 1-1 draw at Vitality Stadium, adding: “I can’t thank them enough for that.”

Howe was making his first return to the club he made his name, both as a player and manager, before leaving in August 2020.

The 45-year-old is enjoying a brilliant campaign in charge of Newcastle United, the Magpies sitting fourth in the Premier League after Miguel Almiron’s strike cancelled out Marcos Senesi’s opener.

Following the game, all four sides of the ground stood to applaud Howe and sing his name, with the Newcastle boss taking in the adulation and showing his thanks.

Asked about that moment with the Cherries fans, Howe said: “It was emotional. I’m not going to hide that fact.

“I think with how long I’d been at this football club without the chance to say goodbye to people who had given me so much in my life, and not just for me, for my family as well, that was difficult.

“I thought the Bournemouth supporters were amazing with me today.

“I can’t thank them enough for that and it’s just a chance really for me to thank them. It was a very special moment.

“To have that reception from two sets of supporters means the world to me. I’m just very, very grateful for it.”

He added: “The long association, coming here as a 12 year old with my mum driving me to training.

“All of those sort of memories come back.”

Discussing what it was like entering the stadium as an away manager, Howe said: “That part was fine.

“The walk through the stadium and so many familiar faces and surroundings. But anyone who knows me, I was just very much focused on the game.

“The game was the only thing that mattered. Trying to win the game, trying to produce a team that gives a good performance.

“Those thoughts never change. So I was really focused on that. It only really struck me on the final whistle when I knew what was about to happen really and I knew I had to thank both sets of supporters obviously.

“Firstly my set of supporters, Newcastle, for travelling this journey, the length of the country, to support their team. And they did brilliantly for us again today.

“And then the long wait to thank the Bournemouth fans for everything they gave me in my time here. That’s as a player and a manager. I really felt the need to do that.”