Founded in 1899 as Boscombe, AFC Bournemouth’s journey from a small local club to a Premier League contender reflects a rich and evolving history marked by strategic name changes, iconic symbols, and fluctuating fortunes. This historical review, sponsored by BJ88, delves into the key milestones of AFC Bournemouth’s evolution.

Origins and Stadium

AFC Bournemouth traces its origins back to the Boscombe St John’s Institute football club, rooted in local football from the Boscombe suburb. The club has called the Vitality Stadium home since 1910. With a capacity of 11,700, it stands as the smallest stadium in the Premier League this season, a testament to the club’s humble beginnings and close-knit community spirit.

Badge and Name Changes

The club's badge, adorned with Bournemouth’s distinctive red and black stripes, features a footballer heading a ball in honor of Dickie Dowsett, one of Bournemouth’s top scorers. Dowsett played a pivotal role not only on the field but also in the club’s commercial decisions.

Originally named Boscombe, the club rebranded to Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic Football Club in 1923 to more accurately reflect its connection to the town. The most significant name change came in 1971 when the club adopted AFC Bournemouth. The ‘AFC’ in the name was a strategic decision by Dowsett, aimed at placing the club alphabetically above Arsenal and Aston Villa in league listings. This clever move ensured that AFC Bournemouth was often listed at the top of alphabetical lists, though in casual conversation, they are simply known as Bournemouth.

Nickname and Kit

The club’s nickname, "The Cherries," is a nod to their cherry-red striped shirts, which have been a staple of their kit for decades. This striking color palette, echoing the style of AC Milan's kit, has become a defining feature of the club's brand. Despite the debates surrounding the origin of the nickname, the cherry-red stripes remain a proud symbol of the club’s heritage.

League Journey

AFC Bournemouth's journey through the leagues has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Their debut Premier League season was fraught with challenges, yet they managed to avoid relegation. In their second season, the team achieved a remarkable 9th place finish, the highest in their history. This was followed by respectable finishes in 12th and 14th places, demonstrating their growing stability in the top flight.

The 2019-20 season marked a downturn for the club, which fell to 18th place and faced relegation. The following seasons were a rollercoaster of optimism and setbacks. Despite a heart-wrenching playoff loss to Brentford in 2021, the club bounced back with a remarkable automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2022, clinching second place in the Championship.

AFC Bournemouth’s evolution from a small local club to a Premier League team is a story of resilience, strategic growth, and passionate support. With their distinctive red and black stripes, a small yet storied stadium, and a clever name change strategy, the Cherries have carved out a unique place in English football history. As the club continues to navigate the challenges of the Premier League, BJ88 remains a proud supporter of AFC Bournemouth’s ongoing journey.