Alternative History - Bournemouth

The South Coast team came into being in 1899, but originally came out of Boscombe St. Johns, a team formed by voluntary first-aiders, who had been around for 9 years already. Their original ground was on the site of an orchard, which gave them the nickname of "the Cherries", as these were their preferred fruit at half-time and their predominantly red strip followed logically from that. They then prodded into playing at a tiny ground at Pokesdown before settling at their present ground in 1910, where as Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic they were elected to the 3rd Division (South) in 1923. Like many of the elderly residents of the area, they resided there for longer than anyone else. After the League had been reorganized, they eventually got out of the Third Division in 1970 - by getting relegated to the Fourth. They yo-yoed between those two leagues for several years, before achieving the club's best placing during three seasons in the old Second Division.

The club's greatest days have been reserved for the FA Cup. In 1957, they had a great run that saw them beat Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, major giant-killing feats in those days, to reach the 6th round, where they lost to Manchester United. The Cherries did get their revenge though in 1984, when they knocked the Red Devils, then holders, out of the competition, before a crowd paying record receipts.

It was felt that the club name was too long, so in 1971, it was abbreviated to AFC Bournemouth in an attempt to put them first in any alphabetical listing of league clubs. However, this proved rather controversial because the part of their name that was dropped was that where the ground was located. Many away fans have been disappointed down the years, as they have headed for Bournemouth only to have to ask directions from the old folk traipsing up and down the promenade all day.

History also visited Bournemouth in 1971 in another form, when during the club's record 11-0 FA Cup victory over non-league Margate, forward Ted McDougall, scored 9 (NINE) of those goals himself. The only other item of note that has involved the club of late is the fact that it is the first community club in Europe. This occurred when Bournemouth came within 15 minutes of extinction, due to debts that had built up. A financial package was arranged with the bank and a consortium of fans (many local businessmen) stepped in to run the club. The change has obviously worked, as the team has gone from strength to strength and for a large part of this season, Mel Machin's side were pushing for a play-off place. However, the Cherries were pipped for promotion, but did get through to an Autoscreen Trophy final against Grimsby Town at Wembley, although any hopes they had of winning were wiped out by the Mariners. It is hoped their crop of good youngsters will take their Cherries to greater things.

Season 2000-01 saw the Cherries denied a play-off place on the last day of the season, but on loan striker Jermaine Defoe did score in nine consecutive league games to set a post war record. Now he's back at West Ham, Bournemouth will have to hope that they can unearth another prolific goalscorer.

FAMOUS PLAYERS: - Reg Cutler, Ted McDougall, Dean Court, Phil Boyer, Ray Bumstead, Jamie Redknapp, Kevin Bond, Colin Clark.

FAMOUS FANS : - Mel Bush (pop promoter), Stu Francis (former presenter - Crackerjack)

Formed	1899
Turned Professional	1912
Became a Limited Company	1914
Previous names	1890-1899 =Boscombe St. Johns 1899-1923 = Boscombe FC 1923-1971 = Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic FC
Previous grounds	1899-1910 = Castlemain Road, Pokesdown
Nickname	"The CHERRIES"
Club Colours	HOME : Shirts - Red with black stripe, black collar and red & white trim Shorts - Black Socks - Black AWAY : Shirts - Green with black stripe, black collar and green & white trim Shorts - Green Socks - Green
Record Football League Win	7-0 v Swindon Town Division 3 (South) 22.9.1956
Record Football League Defeat	0-9 v Lincoln City Division 3 18.12.1982
Record Cup Win	11-0 v Margate FAC R1 20.11.1971
Record Fee Paid	£250,000 to Portsmouth for Steve LOVELL (August 1999)
Record Fee Received	£800,000 from Everton for Joe PARKINSON (March 1994)
Record Football League Appearances	423 - Sean O'DRISCOLL (1984-1995)
Record Football League goalscorer in a season	42 - Ted McDOUGALL Division 4 1970-71
Record goalscorer	202 - Ray EYRE (1924-1933)
Most goals in a match	4 - Jack RUSSELL v Clapton Orient Division 3 (South) 7.1.1933 4 - Jack RUSSELL v Bristol City Division 3 (South) 28.1.1933 4 - Harry MARDON v Southend United Division 3 (South) 1.1.1938 4 - Jack McDONALD v Torquay United Division 3 (South) 8.11.1947
Most League points in a season	3 points for a win : 97 Division 3 1986-87 2 points for a win : 62 Division 3 1971-72
Record Home Attendance (all-time)	28,799 v Manchester United FAC R6 2.3.1957
Record match receipts	£80,267 v Walsall Auto Windscreen Shield Southern Area Final 17.3.1998
Most Capped player while at club	Gerry PEYTON 7 (Republic of Ireland)

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