Mark Bateman

In the modern era of football there is often no room for sentiment, with the game largely dominated by over ambitious club owners, a busy managerial merry-go-round and mercenary players ready to trade in playing for a club they supported all their life for a big paying contract.

But there is one team which are bucking that trend and bringing some warmth to the hearts of old school football fans.

AFC Bournemouth is a team steeped in history. They were established in 1899 and can count a number of football’s big names as being associated with the club, including Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp and former England international Darren Anderton.

But in recent times the Cherries have flirted with oblivion on an almost seasonal basis and went into administration in 2008.

Bournemouth were one of three teams which started last season in League Two on negative points for failing to exit administration with a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), as per Football League requirements.

They have also had to deal with a transfer embargo, which was imposed on the club during the time they were in administration and is still in force now.

But despite all this adversity, the Cherries survived the threat of relegation out of the Football League last season. Now they are top of the League Two table and pushing hard for promotion.

One of the big factors in Bournemouth’s turnaround in fortunes is their manager Eddie Howe, who has worked tirelessly for a club he cares about greatly.

Howe is a former defender and, despite his young age – he is just 31-years-old – is a veteran of lower league football, having made more than 273 appearances, 218 of those as a Bournemouth player.

He became the youngest manager in the Football League when he succeeded former boss Jimmy Quinn in January 2009. Since taking over at Dean Court, Howe has given a team, which under the circumstances was rightly feeling sorry for itself, belief.

He has a positive attitude and a ‘never say die’ spirit, which is infectious. This helped his side to survive in League Two last season and is now helping them to lofty heights with talk of promotion.

The Bournemouth boss has done an excellent job with limited resources, guiding his team to 11 wins so far this season and has helped them amass 31 points. This is two more than second placed Rochdale and five points more than League Two ‘rich boys’ Notts County, who are fourth.

Hard work, pure effort of will and a unrivalled team spirit, which comes from the owners, manager, players and fans is what has propelled Bournemouth to their current position. And with the club’s long term future being secured, the fans of this proud side can surely look forward to more success.

  Latest Features:

• - Guti Standing Firmly Between Madrid Megastars
• - Chamakh Following Perfect Path to Arsenal?
• - Rubin Champions League Campaign Delights Kazan

Photo Courtesy: StuBramley