Howe heading back to Bournemouth

Bournemouth have confirmed they have agreed a compensation package with Burnley to bring Eddie Howe back to Dean Court as manager.

Howe managed the Cherries for two years before moving to Turf Moor last January, and was immediately linked with the post following Paul Groves' exit last week.

Burnley confirmed a package had been agreed, saying in a statement that the 34-year-old had left "for personal and family reasons".

Howe guided Bournemouth to promotion from npower League Two in 2010 but left the club early the following year, signing three-and-a-half-year deal with the Clarets. He leaves the Lancashire club 16th in the npower Championship, joining a club in the League One relegation zone.

On Thursday, Clarets chief executive Lee Hoos described an approach from the League One side as "unwanted" and added that permission to talk to him had been refused, but it now transpires Howe will be returning to the south coast.

The ambitious Cherries have made a disappointing start to the 2012/13 campaign despite significant funding from wealthy Russian businessman Maxim Demin. The likes of Lewis Grabban and Eunan O'Kane were brought in over the summer as they eyed a promotion push, but the Cherries have flattered to deceive so far, lying fourth from bottom in the table.

Burnley's joint-chairmen John Banaszkiewicz and Mike Garlick issued a statement revealing their surprise at Howe's decision, but thanked him for his efforts and added that the search for his replacement had already begun.

It read: "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."

Howe claims he did not make the decision lightly and insisted Bournemouth was the only club he would have left Burnley for. He told the Bournemouth Echo: "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."