Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe has suggested that he owes a lot to West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis for helping him develop his career both as a footballer and manager.

Howe featured alongside Pulis during their playing days together at Bournemouth, before Pulis went on to take the managerial reins from Harry Redknapp, who departed for West Ham United in 1992.

Pulis and Howe are due to face each other as the Cherries take on Albion in the Premier League this weekend, and Howe has been quick to state the importance of his old boss during his development in football.

"I have a huge respect for Tony Pulis for how involved he was as the manager of Bournemouth. You could feel his presence around the club," said Howe, according to the Birmingham Mail.

"He's a big football man. It's his biggest passion & you can see that just in talking to him. I owe a lot of my career to him."

Bournemouth currently occupy 19th spot in the league standings, while the Baggies sit in 10th place.