Bournemouth striker Steve Fletcher believes manager Eddie Howe's attention to detail is the reason for his success in his short managerial career.

At the age of 31, Howe is the youngest manager in the English leagues but he has defied a lack of experience to lead the Cherries to the top of League Two.

Howe made a name for himself last season, steering the club out of the relegation zone after taking over in January despite the fact they started the season with a 17-point deduction.

And Fletcher has been hugely impressed with the way his former team-mate has made the transition into management.

He told Press Association Sport: "Eddie has been magnificent, he's a close friend of mine. I've roomed with him, played alongside him and he is now becoming a great manager. The impact he had last season after taking over in January, he should have been Manager of the Year."

He added: "His preparation is brilliant. We start preparing for a game at the weekend on a Monday and with the attention to detail he goes into, it gives the players the best possible chance of succeeding."