The end of an era

And so, after 5 years, 190 games, 56 victories, 241 goals for, 330 goals against, countless memories and one manager, the curtain has fallen on the AFC Bournemouth Premier League fairytale. The fat lady has finished her song, and an era has come to a close.

For a club accustomed to the mediocrity of lower league football, the journey has been wild. From the murky depths of bailiffs and administrators to the vertigo-inducing heights of the glamour of top-flight football in 6 years, not even the most ardent and optimistic Cherries supporter saw the club staying in the world's richest league for long. More than one season was a wild fantasy, five seasons an unachievable dream. However, typical of the club and typical of Eddie Howe, the dream was realised.

Those five years, stuffed with unfathomable highs. Victories against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham. Only Manchester City didn't succumb to the mighty Cherries. An historic victory at St Mary's. A thrilling 3-3 with Everton. A last minute winner at Newcastle. Pulsating performances against Watford and Fulham. A dreamy 4-3 win over West Ham. There are plenty more.

Critics and pessimists will argue that we have nothing to show for our five years in the big time; no new stadium, no new training ground. But, who cares? We've made memories, and experienced unforgettable moments. Isn't that what football is about? We watch football for moments of pure, unadulterated joy, not fancy training facilities. Those moments have been plentiful - they've been fantastic.

Those moments, giving us such raw happiness and emotion, will live long in the memory. When we are old, wrinkled and grey, we will talk and reminisce on these highs. The sole architect of these highs? A Mr. Eddie Howe. The greatest manager this club has ever had, and ever will. The pilot on our mesmeric rise, the patriarch of the club. Everything good I have experienced in football has stemmed from him. Being a 17 year old supporter, all I know is success. Highs, highs and more highs, and I thank Eddie for that. He has led us exemplary, playing football attractively, never diverging from his core beliefs. We have been incredibly lucky. That's the truth.

We are also proud. Proud of this club, these players and our manager. We have consistently defied the odds and achieved the impossible - today, the odds were too high. Players, League One and Championship standard in reality, have performed admirably in the highest quality league in world football. Our manager, despite media pressure, never wavered from his commitment to free-flowing, attacking football. Pride.

But as one era ends, another comes to the fore. We fall into the Championship not in disarray, but in unity. We understand our failings this season, and we emerge fully backing our manager - a rarity amongst relegated sides. We will write this club's next chapter with a strong, youthful, British core. Aaron Ramsdale, a fantastic young keeper. Jack Stacey, an exciting, dynamic full back. Lloyd Kelly, a composed centre half. Lewis Cook, a versatile playmaking midielder. David Brooks, a creative, unpredictable attacking midfielder. Dominic Solanke, a powerful centre forward. Let's not forget our own youth prospects - Nnamdi Ofoborh, Alex Dobre, Mark Travers, Gavin Kilkenny and Sam Surridge. Accompanied by some smart additions in the forthcoming short break, we can enter the new season, and the new era, with optimism and excitement. The Premier League may not become a distant memory - it could reemerge as a living reality.

So, as one era ends, another begins. The horizon remains sunny. But, for the meantime, whilst relegation remains raw and painful, let's remember an old adage: don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

UTC

26/07/20