ARMY HELPS HOWE BATTLE ON

EDDIE HOWE has called in the army to stop Manchester City’s big guns firing and halt Bournemouth’s slide towards a relegation battle.

His men have bombed since the turn of the year – failing to win a league or cup game.

The Cherries chief made his players watch a live Army training exercise to stop them shooting themselves in the foot after a string of defensive calamities during that run.

Centre-back Steve Cook (right), whose side host City tomorrow, said: “We have to find that little bit extra and get out of our bad run of form.

“We have to prove we have big characters and a bunch of good, honest lads. Hopefully, everyone will see how strongly we feel about representing the club.

“We watched eight lads in the army going through a battle mode and saw their communication skills, a demonstration of what they have to do and the bravery they have to show. It opened our eyes and, although there was no live fire, it was still tough to watch. “The main thing we saw was the togetherness and communication of how they are on the front line compared to how we are. It was a good exercise and I’m sure there will be a few more team-bonding sessions.”

Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn issued a vote of confidence in Howe after he had come under fire from fans.

But Cook said: “Every team has a bad spell and it can be worrying if you don’t come through – but we will.”