WHEN Eddie Howe opted to leave Burnley for a return to the south coast and Bournemouth just over four years ago, few could have predicted how spectacularly well the decision would work out for everyone involved.

Managerial parting of the ways are usually messy affairs, if not for all concerned then either for club or boss. But Howe’s return south was the move he needed, and he has taken the Cherries from strength to strength since, while his departure allowed the Clarets to recruit Sean Dyche, the catalyst for a remarkable four years at Turf Moor.

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Tomorrow Howe is back at Burnley for the second time since his 22-month Turf reign came to an end, but there will be no animosity from either side. Everyone has moved on for the better. Bournemouth are in their second Premier League season in a row under Howe and arrive on the back of a stunning 4-3 win over Liverpool, while the Clarets are threatening to establish themselves in the top flight as well, lying 15th in the table.

“He’s been here before. I think they’ve moved on and I think we’ve moved on,” Dyche said of the reunion with the man he replaced.

“Both clubs have done well and if there ever is a good parting of the ways I think it’s probably that. He’s done well there, I’ve come in and done well here.

“There was no messiness to it. Both clubs have moved forward. I think he’ll come up and get on with it.”

Howe’s Burnley spell never quite took off. The results leading to his departure told the story of a side that were open at both ends. In the 13 games in the 2012/13 season before he left after a 4-3 defeat at Crystal Palace Burnley scored 26 times but conceded 27.

While Howe has stuck to his passing principles at Bournemouth, Dyche believes the Cherries boss’ teams have also tightened up.

“I don’t know whether it’s from that experience but when he went down to Bournemouth and got them to go up in the season they did from the Championship there was a definite difference in the way the team was operating,” Dyche said.

“It was very open from both sides of the game, defending and attacking. Now they don’t stay open.

“Whether he’s been influenced by thoughts from his staff or players I don’t know, but I think that’s been an important change. I’ve noticed it and my staff and some of my players have mentioned it.

“It works, you’ve got to twist and turn things until you get to where you think it can be quite productive.”

Another familiar face will return with Howe. Junior Stanislas played 101 games for Burnley before heading to Bournemouth in the summer of 2014, and Dyche hailed the 27-year-old.

“The reason I’m really pleased for him is that it seems like he’s stuck at it,” he said. “When he first went down there he didn’t play a lot, then he’s come through and done really well this season.

“I like players who stick at it, I don’t think a football career is an easy career, to keep sticking at it and pushing yourself, through whatever comes your way, I think he’s done very well.

“It was hard for him coming all the way up here and settling. He had twins, to live away with that scenario is difficult.

“Going back south helped him I think but he was good for me, I enjoyed having him around and I enjoyed what he tried to do for us. We wish him well beyond playing against us.”