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Bournemouth FC (or AFC Bournemouth to give the club its official name), has its roots in the formation of Boscombe FC in 1899.

The club initially played in the Bournemouth & District Junior League before joining the Hampshire League around the turn of the century.

Move to Dean Court

In 1910 the club were granted a long lease on some ground by Mr JE Cooper-Dean. This became their home, and was named Dean Court, after their benefactor.

Election to the Football League

In 1920, the club joined the Southern League, and three years later, Boscombe successfully applied to join the Football League, changing their name to Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, in the process.

The Cherries remained in the Third Division(South) until 1958, when the regional divisions were scrapped.

They were then placed in the new national Third Division, where they remained until relegation in 1970.

FA Cup Quarter Finalists

In 1956-57, the club enjoyed an impressive cup run which took them to the quarter-final, beating First Division Wolves and Spurs on route.

In 1971, Bournemouth were relegated to the Fourth Division for the first time but bounced back immediately.

Adopting the name AFC Bournemouth

In 1972, the year the club adopted the name AFC Bournemouth, they narrowly missing promotion to the Second Division. Unable to retain this form, they were back in the Fourth Division in 1975.

FA Cup Giantkillers

The Eighties brought Bournemouth’s finest period. Under manager Harry Redknapp, they claimed an impressive FA Cup scalp in January 1984, beating holders Manchester United.

In 1987 the club won the Third Division championship for the first time and with it promotion to the second Division.

Saved by the Supporters

However, by 1997, financial problems had driven the club into receivership. At one stage Bournemouth were just 15 minutes from closure, before a successful takeover bid by the Supporters Trust saved the club.

Dean Court was rebuilt in April 2001, and the Cherries temporarily moved in with Dorchester FC until work was completed in November 2001. However, their homecoming was soured by relegation to Division Three.

Happily they returned via the play-offs the following season.

Administration and a 10-Point Penalty

They spent five seasons in League One, but in February 2008, they were placed in administration and the resulting 10-point deduction always meant they would find it difficult to survive.

Despite some great late season form Bournemouth were relegated to League Two. They bounced straight back the following season after finishing as runner-up to Notts County.

In 2011, the Cherries made the play-offs but lost on penalties to Huddersfield, in the first round.

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