PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB GUIDE
Bournemouth AFC
NICKNAME
The Cherries
FOUNDED
1899
STADIUM
Vitality Stadium (capacity: 11,307)
CITY
Bournemouth, Dorset
COLOURS
Red and black stripes
CURRENT MANAGER
Andoni Iraola (leaving) → Marco Rose (incoming summer 2026)
Club History
Bournemouth are one of the smallest clubs in the Premier League by ground capacity and by history. They spent most of their existence in the lower divisions of English football, nearly going out of business in 2008. Eddie Howe — a former Bournemouth player — became their manager and led them from the fourth tier to the Premier League between 2008 and 2015. They survived in the top flight for five seasons before going down in 2020. Promoted again in 2022, they have since established themselves as a genuinely competitive Premier League club under Andoni Iraola, whose attractive attacking style has made them one of the most fun teams to watch in the division.
Known For
One of the smallest stadiums in the Premier League — the Vitality Stadium holds just over 11,000
Playing attractive, attacking football under Iraola — regularly one of the league’s most entertaining teams
The remarkable story of a club that almost died in 2008 and now competes in European places
Producing top-level players from relative obscurity — Dominic Solanke, Neto and others
Their seaside location — the only Premier League club on the south coast of England
Key Players to Watch
Antoine Semenyo — Forward
Ghana international who has been electric for Bournemouth. Direct, powerful and scored the winning goal in The FA Cup final for Manchester City on loan. Now back at Bournemouth as one of their key attacking players.
Evanilson — Striker
Brazilian forward who has been among the most clinical finishers in the Premier League this season.
Stadium Guide
The Vitality Stadium (also known as Dean Court) is Bournemouth‘s ground. With a capacity of just over 11,000 it is the smallest in the Premier League — giving matches there an intimate, intense atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the top flight.
Major Honours
No major trophies. The Premier League is the highest level Bournemouth have competed at.
Rivals
Southampton (south coast rivalry), Portsmouth.
2025/26 Season
Final position: Around 6th-8th — European qualification possible
Bournemouth‘s best Premier League season in their history under Iraola. They were in contention for European football on the final day, having been unbeaten in 14 consecutive matches at one point. A remarkable achievement for a club of their size.