Howe ready to ride out storm

EDDIE HOWE says he is thick-skinned enough to take the criticism that has come his way following Bournemouth’s dismal start to the season.

Bournemouth have lost their opening four Premier League games despite spending big in the summer, putting the spotlight firmly on the manager.

Howe has labelled tonight’s clash with Brighton a “massive game” but claims he does not feel under any added pressure.

“It’s a cut-throat business,” he said. “I don’t know if there are many more businesses where opinions change so quickly. That’s one of the beauties of the game but one that makes it so difficult to be in. You accept that when you take this job.

“You need a thick skin to be prepared to ride a few storms and come out even stronger for that experience. The roller-coaster of emotions I have experienced as a manager and as a player thickens you up.

“That’s important because if you are too sensitive you won’t last two minutes. I never consider myself a soft manager and wouldn’t call myself an aggressive, confrontational manager either. I’m hard on myself whether we win, lose or draw. I try to stay levelheaded, certainly there’s is no sinking in despair for me.

“The way I manage I always feel I’m cracking the whip because we set high standards and demands on the players and training is very intense.”

Brighton are searching for back-to-back wins after beating West Brom 3-1 to register their first Premier League victory last Saturday.

Goalkeeper Maty Ryan says battling with Tim Krul for the No1 jersey is making him raise his game.

Australian international Ryan, a £5million summer signing from Valencia, faces a fight to keep his place following Krul’s move from Newcastle.

Ryan said: “Tim has a wealth of games under his belt and plenty of experience in the Premier League.

“We have a great relationship and push each other to become the best we can be. I’m enjoying the healthy competition.”