AFC Bournemouth - A Tribute

In this tribute to AFC Bournemouth, I wish to demonstrate my love for the club. Firstly, let's remember that fantastic achievement in 1984 when Harry Redknapp's "Cherries" overcame FA Cup holders Manchester United. It must have been great for the supporters at the time - to secure their fifteen minutes of fame. They have since proceeded to sink into footballing oblivion, with no tradition or history and nothing to look forward to.

They do have a prolific striker however in James Hayter, and have been very lucky the frontman has stayed loyal, as it has been his goals that have kept The Cherries afloat. It's a shame that not all their players have remained as loyal. Brian Stock and James O'Connor saw the light and had to get out (although Stock went to Pres*on).

The club's financial situation is precarious. The club have had to sell the ground to property developers, and former chairman Peter Phillips only recently stood down through fan pressure and doubt remains on the clubs future.

In 1995, their bullish supporters had an incident involving referee Barry Knight, when they threatened him in a car-park after a 4-0 defeat away at Crewe, which has never been explained properly.

Dean Court is seen as a crematorium for footballers; with seasoned professionals (I love that expression!) Steve Claridge and Darren Anderton turning out for the club.

The Cherries lost their boss Sean O`Driscoll in September to Doncaster Rovers and through the appointment of Kevin Bond, have never looked forward, and relegation stares them in the face.

Lastly, Bournemouth tried to recreate the AC Milan kit in the early 70s, as it was modelled off the Italian giants. Unlike Milan though, their kit has no identity and looks normal and stale - much like the club itself.

AFC Bournemouth - A Tribute.

Don't forget to have a look at the one thing Bournemouth does have going for it - the Vital website - at www.upthecherries.co.uk

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.