David James has recalled the moment he was dropped by Eddie Howe at AFC Bournemouth as the 'nicest' sacking he'd ever received from a manager.
The former England international spent the 2012/13 season in League One after an accomplished Premier League career at the likes of Liverpool, West Ham and Portsmouth.
He penned a one-year contract with the Cherries in September 2012 following his release from Bristol City. James made 19 appearances for Bournemouth but was dropped four months into his spell, with Howe opting for Shwan Jalal between the sticks.
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Current Newcastle boss Howe invited James into his office to break the news, and James has revealed how he had total respect for the manner in which the young manager dealt with such a tricky situation.
"The irony of this is that I had a clause in my contract that would trigger a one-year extension if I played a certain amount of games," James told Lord Ping.
"Eddie approached me and said ‘Jamo, next season, we’re looking in a different direction. The clause in your contract is a problem for me. As long as you’re playing well, you’ll stay in the team.’
"I didn’t have a problem with it. I was 42 or 43 years-old at the time and understood my place at the club. We played Walsall away and lost 3-1 - not all of the goals were my fault.
"He called me into the office and said ‘Jamo, I’m not going to be involving you anymore this season. You’re free to do what you want.’ He said it in this monotone way and when I walked out of his office, I realised that I just had the nicest sacking that you could ever give a player! I totally respected him for the way that he dealt with that."
James ultimately left Bournemouth by mutual consent in March 2013, and the Cherries went onto achieve promotion to the Championship at the end of the season.
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