Eddie Howe hails unity of AFC Bournemouth after winning Barclays manager prize for third time

Eddie Howe has paid tribute to the AFC Bournemouth "family" after being named the Barclays Manager of the Month for October 2018.

The AFC Bournemouth manager claimed his third monthly award after winning three of his four matches during October, beating Crystal Palace, Watford and Fulham.

The 40-year-old says claiming the prize is more a reflection of the work of everyone at the club.

"I’m so lucky here to have such a dedicated group of people who work so hard to make sure the players are at the best of their ability," said Howe, whose sixth-placed side have got off to their best ever start to a Premier League season. "So it is an award for the whole club and I’m very proud of everyone.

"It’s the unity, and not just with the players, but with the staff and with the supporters. I think that link through the club is stronger than ever.

"Now we’ve got to make sure that we grow that and it’s something we pride ourselves on, the atmosphere between people, the family-like feel of the club.

"We’ve got to make sure we protect that at all costs."

Howe, who takes his side to Newcastle United on Saturday, was selected by a combination of votes from a panel of experts and from the public.

He beat Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, Brighton & Hove Albion's Chris Hughton and Chelsea's Maurizio Sarri to the award.