AFC Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth, known as The Cherries, is a professional football club based in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset. Founded in 1899 as Boscombe St. John's Institute F.C., the club adopted its current name in 1971 and has called Dean Court its home since 1910. After years in the lower leagues, a remarkable ascent under Eddie Howe saw them reach the Premier League for the first time in 2015. They spent five consecutive seasons in the top flight before a brief relegation, returning in 2022. Under current head coach Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth achieved a club-record sixth-place finish in the 2025-26 Premier League, securing UEFA Europa League qualification for the first time.

The club operates on a modest budget compared to Premier League giants, relying on smart recruitment and a strong academy. Their attacking, high-pressing style has earned admirers beyond the south coast. Key figures include former manager Eddie Howe, who guided them from League Two to the Premier League, and striker Dominic Solanke, whose 19 goals in 2023-24 earned an England call-up. The club's motto, "Part of the Town, Part of the Family," reflects its deep community roots.[edit]

AFC Bournemouth was founded in 1899 as Boscombe St. John's Institute F.C., later becoming Boscombe F.C. The club turned professional in 1910 and moved to Dean Court that same year. After decades in the Southern League and Football League's lower tiers, they won the Third Division title in 1986-87 under Harry Redknapp. Financial troubles in the late 1990s nearly killed the club, but a fan-led rescue kept them alive.

The appointment of Eddie Howe as manager in 2008 sparked an extraordinary rise. He led the team from League Two to the Championship, winning the League Two title in 2009-10. After a brief stint at Burnley, Howe returned in 2012 and guided Bournemouth to the Premier League in 2015, finishing second in the Championship. The club survived five seasons in the top flight, peaking with a ninth-place finish in 2016-17, before relegation in 2020. They bounced back immediately, winning promotion in 2022 under Scott Parker. Andoni Iraola took over in 2023 and implemented a dynamic style that culminated in a club-record sixth place in 2025-26, earning a Europa League spot.[edit]