Eddie Howe's cagey responses to questions surrounding Dan Ashworth speak volumes

Eddie Howe faced the media this morning to talk about the upcoming fixture against Arsenal but he first had to wade through questions about outbound sporting director Dan Ashworth.

It was inevitable that Dan Ashworth's name would be brought up in the pre-match presser with it being Eddie Howe's first media appearance since he was placed on gardening leave as he tries to force a move to Manchester United.

Eddie Howe was very cagey with his responses, some might just write it off as him being professional, but reading between the lines, it gives a lot more away than he perhaps wants to have.

All was not well behind the scenes for sure

This is of course purely one man's opinion, but the signs that the two didn't really see eye-to-eye are apparent - unless I'm just reading too much into it.

Serena Taylor via Getty Images

First off, Howe was asked if it has been different around the club this week (via The Chronicle).

"Day to day running of the football club? Not at all. It's [Ashworth saga] happened away from the players and training ground. Business as usual for us."

So far so good, just general attempts to avoid the subject. But then he was asked if he felt Ashworth had done a good job in his brief time at the club.

"I don't think I should be going there. That's something for other people to reflect on. As a football club we need to reflect and move forward strongly. I don't think it's right to comment on."

Eddie Howe has said a lot without saying anything with that statement

Again, it could just be Howe trying to be professional and move the conference on to the Arsenal game, but surely, if he felt Ashworth had done a good job he'd have said so.

There's nothing wrong with dishing out praise when it's earned, even if you're currently in a situation like the club finds itself now. The rumours that the Ashworth and Howe weren't on the same page were rife during Ashworth's tenure, and now he's on the way out, we're starting to see that little bit of smug satisfaction from Howe.

I could be completely off the mark here, but I just can't shake that feeling. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.