Howe's departure - both sides speak

Last updated : 12 October 2012 By Tony Scholes

He's explained today that it is family reasons that have brought about his decision and said before departing: “It’s been a really tough week. I can’t speak highly enough of Burnley Football Club, the people who work for the club, the players and the supporters, who have all been brilliant to us since we walked through the door, and I would like to thank them for that. 

“To leave is incredibly difficult, but I feel it’s a decision I have to make for my family and for personal reasons, which I can’t go into detail on. 

“There is only one club I would contemplate leaving Burnley for and that is Bournemouth and that is the situation we found ourselves in.” 

He added: “Jason and I have worked extremely hard in the job to try and put foundations and processes in place that will benefit Burnley for the long term, and hopefully they will continue to go on behind the scenes because I do believe the future is really bright for the club. 

“When we arrived we knew it was going to be a long-term job, in that there were going to be massive changes in terms of lowering the age of the squad, reducing the wage bill and it was almost a fresh start. 

“We had to approach it from a totally different angle and we enjoyed that approach. I felt we were on the right road and it’s a shame not to see that through. 

“There is a really good youth set-up and the training ground is greatly improved, so I think everything is in place for a successful period in Burnley’s future.

“It’s just someone else who is going to take that on now, but that’s football, that’s how it goes and you can never tell what’s round the corner and what’s going to happen. Now we have to move on to a different chapter and it’s one we are looking forward to.” 

On behalf of the club, joint chairmen John B and Mike Garlick said: "We are surprised and disappointed that Eddie is leaving a great club like Burnley so soon in the season.

“However, we understand that his decision reflects his personal circumstances rather than any matters at Burnley Football Club, be that supporters, the players or the Board. 

“We wish Eddie well in his future career and thank him for the hard work he has done at Burnley over the past 20 months. 

“Since we were elected co-chairmen, we have embarked on a wide-ranging programme of development at Burnley Football Club and this will continue.“In some ways this change creates new opportunities that we can take on board as we look to improve upon our league position and create a strong platform for the future. 

“We remain 100% committed and ambitious for the club. Eddie’s sudden departure will not deter us from our plans and we are confident that the team will rally round while we seek his replacement – a search that has already begun.”