Howe soldiers on in battle to turn round Bournemouth

EDDIE HOWE is so concerned by Bournemouth’s woeful form that he has summoned the Army to help stave off the threat of a relegation battle.

Howe’s men were eyeing a European tilt at the end of last year but are in freefall after failing to win a game in 2017.

And ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Manchester City, the Bournemouth boss (above) is trying different options, including getting his players to study soldiers in training.

Defender Steve Cook said: ‘We have done a few bits over the last month to bring everyone back together and stay positive.

‘We watched eight lads in the British Army going through a battle mode and saw their communication skills, a demonstration of the bravery they show.

‘It opened our eyes. To see pressures of other people’s jobs and people on the front line put things into perspective.

‘The main thing we saw was the togetherness compared to how we are. Throughout our back line that is vital. It was a good exercise and I’m sure there will be a few more team bonding sessions.

‘We have to prove we have big characters. Hopefully everyone will see how strongly we feel about the club.’

SOUTHAMPTON’s director of scouting Ross Wilson is a target for Rangers, who need to replace Mark Warburton, Frank McParland and David Weir, all of whom left the Glasgow club on Friday in a shambolic end to their tenure. The trio are now considering legal action.

Alex McLeish has been tipped to step in as caretaker boss until the end of the season, with Wilson understood to be a target for a director of football role.