Howe has he done it?

Amongst the plethora of worthy films released in the run up to Oscar night was a Daniel Craig film called Defiance.

The James Bond star played one of the three Jewish brothers who defied the Nazi regime by setting up their own community in a forest.

In one of the more moving speeches of the film Craig’s character tries to calm the revengeful feelings amongst his people by suggesting that the best way they can stick two fingers up to Hitler and his henchman is simply by surviving – living is their act of ‘defiance’.

At times this season I have despaired at the plight of my club AFC Bournemouth – how we were hit with a 17-point deduction for off-field financial problems (the same financial problems that – ultimately – led to our relegation to League Two last season) and we seem to have been taken for a ride by a succession of owners.

It has been easy for the Cherries faithful to bemoan our fate and vent our spleens at the various instigators of our demise.

Suddenly, though, there seems to be a different atmosphere around Dean Court.

The Dorset outfit’s impressive performances under our wet-behind-the-ears boss Eddie Howe have brought a welcome return of a more attractive brand of football and, crucially, results as well.

We have taken 11 points from our last 15 and suddenly, instead of looking for someone to blame, a wave of optimism is spreading amongst the fans.

Howe, at just 31, was seen by many as a last resort and a ‘cheap option’ when Jimmy Quinn was sacked at the turn of the year - he was already employed by the club as a coach and had no managerial experience.

But often moves of desperation end up being unintentional masterstrokes.

One of the key moves Howe made was to bring back his old pal and team mate Steve Fletcher.
‘Big Fletch’ may be about as mobile as a phone box and has not scored in five appearances up front, but his effect on the team is invaluable and he has provided a great foil for young strike partner Brett Pitman - who can’t stop scoring lately.

Howe is doing the business but now faces three tough away games in the space of eight days as we travel to Chesterfield, Dagenham and Gillingham.

We are still five points from safety and there is work to be done but Howe’s men have inspired belief at last.

Let’s hope the Cherries can put on our own ultimate show of defiance – let’s survive.