Get a grip people. This thread is exactly the reason some of our 'rivals' refer to us as Nigels!

Let's get this whole thing into some sort of perspective...the only facts we know (as have been confirmed by the Bournemouth board) are that we made an approach for Howe and it was accepted. Possibly they have also commented that Charlton have had an offer accepted as well - therefore both clubs have been given permission to speak to him. Not one person in the know has categorically stated that Eddie Howe had been offered the job. It was journalism, twitter rumours, message board rumours and bookmakers that have been assuming what is happening and thus the spiral of truths, mistruths and downright lies has continued.

The only thing I am concerned about is that we have a big game coming up on Saturday away to Swansea (going to be a very tough match) and we need points. The longer we wait for a new manager the tougher that game becomes. Plus we need to start making some in-roads into the transfer market...if Dougies (potentially) last job for us is to get some scout reports done on some targets, we'd be indebted to him.

Lest we forget that CPFC2010 are no 'mugs'. They amazingly managed to negotiate Selhurst Park into the bundle of club and all, whilst getting Agilo to agree to a sizeble reduction on their investment during the summer. They will not be hoodwinked, or out-manouvered by a 33 year old manager whose never really moved clubs as a player, let alone a manager. Whilst he has all the potential you could ever wish for - he is not the finished article. There a plenty of other managers who may well have already applied for the job who stand just as much of a chance of getting our campaign back on track than Eddie Howe does. In this instance, I feel, that we still do hold the cards.

Before I get slated, I think that Howe would be a great forward-thinking appointment, but, in the same way we should not give into player slary demands, we should not make signing him up as manager our only option. We'll get screwed for that. I'd say if no decision is forthcoming by 5pm today, cut and run. Eddie Howe may not settle into the CPFC culture and as such make a bit of a hash of this job - who knows? Let's not put all our eggs in this one basket is all I am saying.

Given how the reports have changed so dramatically over the weekend - have we considered that EH may be talking to Charlton as we have taken the job offer away? It could be quite possible that he was given a deadling of Saturday evening to say his farewell to the fans and players if he wanted to join. Perhaps he still didn't know and CPFC2010 said, the offer has expitred? Who knows. For me that constitutes the only reason as to why, all of a sudden, Charlton have become odds-on favourites.

If we do still want him as manager and he picks Charlton - as I said earlier that'll go down as a mistake. I am certain of it. I am not looking at this through palace-tinted specs - I genuinely believe a lot about his character will be revealed by taking that decision.

Firstly, I think it'd show he took the secure, easy option taking a team riding high and looking likely to be in the mix at the end of the season in a league he knows well. He'd be better respected for taking on a task larger than that (with us) in trying to repeat the feats he amazingly achieved with B'Mouth - except in a tougher league.

Secondly, I feel he'd lose a fair amount of respect he built up from Cherries fans. They'll see his move as a type of betrayal and be miffed as to why he swapped to a team 3 places lower in League 1.

He'll be seen a mercenary if it was just the money he went for. I couln't give a toss about Charlton. They are not real rivals of ours - I only think they classify us as a rival as they have no-one else. They are arrogant, self-opinionated odious tw@ts for the most part (some decent fans amongst them aside).

To sum up - if your heart is in the challenge of keeping us up Eddie, then we'd welcome you with open arms. I think the future could be bright with you at the helm. If you are using us a pawn - or are chasing the money then we have dodged a bullet IMO.

CPFC2010, your silence and dignity through this has been extremely professional and yet again your handling of this, I feel, has been second to none. I absolutely trust you to make the decisions that you all feel will beneift our club. Please though, can we make a decision soon...If EH doesn't want the job, then the only managers currently out of work who I'd opt for over Dougie are Hodgson and Martin O'Neil. If they are not available, then Dougie for me.

Let us stop worrying about this now - it is getting tiresome.

Edited by palace4ever (10 Jan 2011 2.07pm)

I agree CF and I am as guilty as anyone but patience is not one of my virtues.

he's paid well over the odds there.

Eddie Howe may not settle into the CPFC culture and as such make a bit of a hash of this job - who knows? Let's not put all our eggs in this one basket is all I am saying.