Howe hangs up his boots

Bournemouth stalwart Eddie Howe has been forced to retire due to injury.

Howe is just 29 but has failed to recover from a serious knee injury and is now expected to form a part of the backroom staff at Dean Court.

"Playing for Bournemouth was an honour and a privilege," said Howe. "I enjoyed my career alongside some great players."

The defender started his career with The Cherries before joining Portsmouth in March 2002.

However, his time at Fratton Park was plagued by injury problems and, after a brief spell on loan with Swindon, he rejoined Bournemouth in November 2004.

Howe was made a player-coach in December and will now continue alongside Cherries boss Kevin Bond.