Bournemouth

Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick says qualifying for European football "supersedes" earning promotion to the Premier League for the Cherries.

Speaking on BBC Radio Solent, after Bournemouth's draw 1-1 against Manchester City ensured them club a spot in Europe next season, Elphick said: "It supersedes all of that [promotion].

"It is very hard to compare generations because every group, in its own right, have done different things at different periods for this club, to set it up for the next generation.

"But the group we have got, the coach we have got, the one we are getting, the people who are running the football club, they are very special people.

"It's remarkable. So much credit has to be paid to so many people. It's very important that we all try to soak it up enjoy it. We have to go back a long way to credit all the people that deserve it.

"There are so many people to mention that kept the club afloat. The fans, it means so much to so many people, and it is not lost on us."

Andoni Iraola's side started off the 2025-26 campaign with an 11-game winless run, which came to an end when they beat Tottenham 3-2 in mid-January.

Since then, Bournemouth have recorded a 17-match unbeaten run, which is the longest such run in the league.

"We have never looked back from what was a really tough start. He is very unique in the way he delivers. He is very different to managers that we were all used to, but he is a special manager and an even more special man," added Elphick.

"When I joined this club all those years ago, we were fighting to get out of League One, so to be dining at the top table with the big boys is something that can't be lost on anyone.

"In football, you don't get this. This isn't normal. You're not meant to do things like this, so we have to take it all in and enjoy it."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds or by clicking play on the clip above

Bournemouth have looked "really bright" and have shown "phenomenal work ethic" to secure European football for the first time in their club's history this season, says former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy.

Andoni Iraola's side were denied victory at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night, but a 1-1 draw against Manchester City was enough to confirm their European tour for next season.

Their points tally is currently enough for Europa League qualification, but the Cherries still have two possible routes to Champions League football.

"I love watching them play - and I have done for a long time," Murphy said on Match of the Day. "The unbeaten run they have been on since selling their best player in Antoine Semenyo is brilliant.

"They are brave. They try to play through the lines, and they were even doing it against Manchester City's high press. They are so intent on and willing to do it.

"They play a lot of one-touch football. They look really bright. They commit men into the box.

"They play some great stuff, but it is their work ethic that is phenomenal."

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

We asked for your views on Bournemouth securing a place in Europe.

Here are some of your comments:

Robert: Well done! Now the challenge, is the stadium fit for Europe? Also, do we have the money to recruit two or three top players?

Mick: Fully deserved result for the Cherries. They outran and outfought Man City and should have scored a couple more. What a time it is to be a Bournemouth supporter. After the final whistle most fans stayed behind to thank the players and to say goodbye to the manager, technical director and Marcos Senesi. Ordinarily that would make us very apprehensive about next season, but Bill Foley is such a good owner.

Humphrey: Splendid performance, a draw did not reflect the team's best effort. They have performed well against the top teams.

Marty: I am feeling fabulous knowing we are at least in the Europa League. It is an unbelievable achievement. Everyone associated with the club should be commended for this accomplishment. And to make it even sweeter doing it against City and eliminating them from the race is even better.

Geoff: Tremendous season building on many good seasons in the last 15 years. The owner, manager, players and all the back room staff deserve much credit for a really great season. Proud to be a supporter. Europe here we come!

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, speaking to Sky Sports: "At the beginning of the season you didn't imagine it. It has been so nice and we have a chance to fight for the Champions League in the last game and we really deserve this, especially for the game we played so well.

"We have not won the game but it does not matter. I've enjoyed it so much, how we played and the personality we showed. We had great chances to score the second one and we wanted to win the game, but I've enjoyed it.

"Today has been a good reflection of the club. I'm very happy for the club, the players, the supporters and the staff. It's the best way to finish with something you can touch I can't ask for anything more.

"Pep [Guardiola] is the top of the top. He has won everything. It was a difficult game for them, they played three days ago with the tension of a final. We made them play a difficult game and they were obviously tired but they have this quality. It makes it even more nice when you play like this against an opposition that are so good.

"We have a special group of players. They are consistent and always there. Right now there is nothing about my future in my head, I just want to celebrate and push it. We have Europa League, next let's maximise our options. Can we take the last Champions League spot?

"I still don't know where I will go but I'm in no rush, let's finish on a high."

• Hear more from Iraola on BBC Sounds

'It's what dreams are made of' - hit play below to listen to Adam Smith and Alex Scott talking to BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark, or on BBC Sounds here

Did you know?

• Bournemouth extended their unbeaten run to 17 games, the longest of any side in the Premier League this season.

• With 13 goals, Junior Kroupi is the now the highest scoring teenager in his debut Premier League campaign, overtaking Robbie Fowler from 1993-94 and Robbie Keane from 1999-00 (12).

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Will the Champions League anthem ring in the ears of Bournemouth's players and fans next season?

Erling Haaland's late leveller leaves the Cherries three points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, but a sixth-place finish would be good enough too if Aston Villa won the Europa League on Wednesday and ended the season in fifth position.

Whatever happens, Andoni Iraola will leave the club with at least the Europa League to play in next season, showcasing the sterling work he has produced during his tenure.

The club have already agreed a replacement in German Marco Rose, who has a monumental task to live up to his predecessor's achievements.

Evanilson gave Manchester City a warning side when he somehow scooped over from inside the six-yard box from Marcus Tavernier's superb low cross, but the flag did go up for offside.

A poked effort following a flowing team move was pushed away by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Junior Kroupi curled in a stunning finish for his 13th goal of the season.

It could have been a more comfortable scoreline when David Brooks ran through late on, and although he struck the post, and Haaland denied them victory, the home fans were still celebrating at the final whistle.

Bournemouth have qualified for European football for the first time in their history with a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

The Cherries will find out which competition they will play in on Sunday after the final game of the season.

How are you feeling? Is this the greatest achievement in Bournemouth history?

Get in touch with your views here

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

In his final home game in charge of Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola makes one change from the side that edged past Fulham.

Tyler Adams comes into the side and takes the armband, replacing Ryan Christie, who was named in Scotland's World Cup squad earlier today.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes two changes from Saturday's FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

There is a surprise start for Mateo Kovacic, with the Croatian in a midfield three alongside captain Bernardo Silva and Rodri, while Gianluigi Donnarumma returns in goal.

Omar Marmoush and James Trafford drop to the bench, with Rayan Cherki also named as a substitute again.

There are two crucial games in the Premier League on Tuesday, with major implications for both the title race and the relegation battle, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Manchester City (19:30 BST) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Chelsea v Tottenham (20:15 BST) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Follow all of the action and reaction

You can also listen to today's Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Tottenham".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Tuesday's match (19:30 BST), with Manchester City needing a win to keep their title hopes alive.

This will be Andoni Iraola's final home game as Bournemouth boss and comes with his team on the brink of qualifying for Europe for the first time.

A point would ensure the Cherries can finish no lower than eighth, which – as a result of Manchester City's victory in the FA Cup final – will be worth a place in next season's Conference League. Even if they lose, a top-eight spot will be assured if Chelsea fail to beat Tottenham in Tuesday's other game.

A strong end to the campaign could take Bournemouth into the Europa League or even Champions League. They will boost their chances of overtaking Liverpool to secure a top-five berth if they beat City. Finishing sixth would also send them into Europe's most prestigious competition if Aston Villa win Wednesday's Europa League final and end the season fifth.

Why the Cherries rank above Bayern

While Bournemouth have a miserable head-to-head record against City, they are a team in form. Iraola's side are unbeaten in the league since losing to Arsenal on 3 January, a run of 16 games.

Not only is that the longest current unbeaten streak in the Premier League, two ahead of City, it is also the longest such run active in the top five European leagues – one ahead of German giants Bayern Munich.

City aim to keep treble dream alive

Victory in Saturday's FA Cup final gave Manchester City their 16th major honour under Pep Guardiola – 20 once Community Shields and Super Cups are factored in.

But City's hopes of adding yet more silverware hinge on beating Bournemouth.

They will take confidence from the remarkably one-sided nature of their previous top-flight meetings with the Cherries.

City have won 16 of 17 games, with their win rate of 94% the highest by any team in a Premier League fixture played at least 10 times.

However, their flawless record ended last season when they lost 2-1 at Vitality Stadium. In fact, Guardiola's side are winless in their past four league games on the south coast, losing three of those matches.

Manchester City's players will be feeling pretty good about themselves anyway after winning the FA Cup on Saturday, but now they must be thinking 'let's give one last push for Pep', with manager Pep Guardiola looking set to step down at the end of the season.

Arsenal are in still in control of the title race after beating Burnley on Monday but City will be desperate to take it to the final day, and I think they will.

Bournemouth are a very good team and they have plenty to play for too - this is Andoni Iraola's final home game in charge and the Cherries know sixth place will get them in Europe and could even get them in the Champions League.

It would not surprise me if they got something from this game but, with what is at stake for City, I am backing them to find a way to win.

Bournemouth are an attack-minded team, can be quite direct when they want to be and they will get after City and have a go at them - but I think City will exploit the space they leave behind.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Make your own prediction here, external

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

In May 2025, Bournemouth took on Manchester City in a Tuesday evening game, their penultimate match of the Premier League season, moved because of City's participation in the FA Cup final three days previously. Does that have a familiar ring to it?

Fast-forward a year, and City's FA Cup success – courtesy of a goal by former Cherries favourite Antoine Semenyo – has opened up eighth place for European qualification.

But Bournemouth are in a much stronger position than ever before, with a grip on sixth place which they will hold going into the final day of the season, even if they lose to City.

One point from their last two games – City at home on Tuesday, and Nottingham Forest away on Sunday – would guarantee a club record top-seven finish and Europa League football. Two or more points would nail sixth place, while any more might have Liverpool looking nervously over their shoulders, come Sunday.

Even if they lost both remaining games, Andoni Iraola's side may already have done enough to book a European tour, as four other results (Chelsea twice, Brentford and Brighton) would also have to go fully against the Cherries to condemn them to ninth place. In fact, only one of the 729 different possible combinations of those six results would keep them in ninth.

It is difficult to put into words just how surprising the prospect of Bournemouth qualifying for European football would have been, even only a few years ago when they first reached the Premier League in 2015.

Less than a generation has passed since fans would have to throw money into buckets just to keep the club alive for another few weeks, and celebrated staying up in League Two after starting the 2008-09 season on minus 17 points.

If you were to tell those supporters that by 2026, Bournemouth would be going into the last game of the season with a mathematical chance of qualifying for the Champions League, surprise would no longer be adequate, and they would be forced to resort to astonishment.

In Greek mythology, the Trojan priestess Cassandra was blessed with the gift of accurate prophecy, but cursed so that no-one would believe her, and one could argue there is a modern echo of that in Cherries owner Bill Foley.

When Foley launched the Vegas Golden Knights as an expansion franchise in ice hockey's NHL in 2017, he said they would win the Stanley Cup within six years. And on taking over the Cherries in late 2022, he affirmed that they would not be relegated that season ("I guarantee it"), and added in interviews in 2023 that the club would play in Europe within five years. Many scoffed at all those predictions.

Spoiler alert: the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in their sixth season, Bournemouth were not relegated in 2022-23 despite losing eight out of nine league games over the winter months, and are now within one point of Europe – a year or two earlier than even Foley anticipated.

Destiny, and prophecy, await.

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Tom Jordan
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

Despite having not played at the weekend, Bournemouth fans strapped themselves in for a rollercoaster of emotions, as both the FA Cup final and a plethora of Premier League fixtures were of great importance for the Cherries and their European aspirations.

It all started on the Saturday, when ex-Bournemouth man Antoine Semenyo fittingly bagged the winner for Manchester City in the FA Cup final. That itself handed the Cherries a significant boost in their pursuit of European football, as the victory over Chelsea ensured that the top eight in the Premier League will have European football next season. So this was the first checkbox of the weekend ticked for Bournemouth fans, before their attention then deviated to Sunday's league fixtures.

Following plenty of twists and turns, it was again another former Cherry who made a significant impact. This time, however, Dango Ouattara was villain rather than hero, scoring a late leveller for Brentford against Crystal Palace, ensuring Bournemouth could not quite secure their place in Europe - but it certainly got a little bit closer. A Palace win would have made Bournemouth's first-ever European qualification official.

Leeds' surprise victory over Brighton and Sunderland's win away at Everton further strengthened Bournemouth's position in the race for Europe, ensuring the afternoon turned into a very positive one for the Cherries.

So Andoni Iraola's men remain in a remarkably strong position heading into their final couple of fixtures. Whether it be the Conference League, Europa League or the Champions League, the Cherries are in an extremely exciting position and the fans may be eagerly getting their passports ready very, very soon.

Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium at (19:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Iraola began his news conference by saying the club is "really close" to qualifying for Europe: "We need one more point - I think we are ready."

• He confirmed he has a fully fit squad and "everyone wants to push and everyone wants to play", with Lewis Cook available after training regularly recently. Ryan Christie is suspended, however.

• Asked if he was watching the Premier League matches on Sunday, Iraola said: "We were actually in training, spending some time with the families. The situation hasn't changed. We needed one point before the games [on Sunday], we need one point after the games."

• On being so close to such a historic achievement for the Cherries: "We are close, but we still don't have it. We need one more point but it won't be easy. [Manchester] City are in good form after a trophy and they are also fighting for the league - but we are ready. We are in a good place and we don't have injuries. We are looking forward to the game tomorrow."

• More on the European push: "After these three lovely seasons where I've enjoyed so much, to finish with European qualification would be incredible. I think it puts the club on a different level. It gives also the correct platform to continue this development, to continue growing. For the players, it is the chance to play a lot of games next season."

• On his final game at Vitality Stadium: "We had so many good moments so it's going to be special. Because the game is so difficult, and you have to prepare so well and I am thinking of so many things, I'm not thinking about the emotional side of my last game. But, I think at the end of the game tomorrow it is going to be a hard moment."

• Asked if he had any regret over his decision to leave at the end of the season, Iraola replied: No. When we took the decision it was some time ago and we were not really thinking about whether we were going to qualify for Europe. It was more about the mid to long-term view and we decided that it was the right moment to end these three years here. I would definitely love to get something. If we can get the Europa League, [that's] better than the Conference - and if we can get the Champions League, [that's] better than the Europa League. I would be so happy, but it doesn't change my point of view."

• On Antoine Semenyo, who returns with City to face the team he left in January having scored the winner in Saturday's FA Cup final: "He is a top player. I'm very happy for him and we were celebrating his goal because it was good for us. He is definitely one of the players to limit in some way."

Hit play above to hear Iraola talking to BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Listen to live commentary of Bournemouth v Manchester City on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Follow all of Monday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Image source, Getty Images

Marcos Senesi says "Bournemouth will always hold a special place for me" as his summer departure was confirmed by the club.

The defender will leave Vitality Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to four years with the Cherries.

Senesi told club media: "From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this club. I'm proud of everything we achieved over the past four years and I'm grateful for the support the fans have always given me.

"AFC Bournemouth will always hold a special place for me and I will look back at my time here with fond memories.

"For now, there are still two big games left of the season and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together."

The Cherries will celebrate Senesi's contribution to the club following the final home game of the season against Manchester City on Tuesday.

In announcing he will leave Bournemouth, it remains unclear where Marcos Senesi will go and, although he is known to have spoken to multiple clubs, he is choosing his next move carefully.

Sources at Chelsea have played down any suggestion they will make a move for him this summer, with Tottenham, Barcelona and Juventus also linked.

However, Senesi has just turned 29 and this could be the last - and perhaps only - major contract of his career.

His demands for substantial personal terms saw him leave Bournemouth after three offers, and they will be key for any club looking to sign him - potentially saving on a transfer fee but having to offer a competitive salary.

That will be central to any deal for Senesi, whose stock has never been higher after making only his second and third appearances for Argentina during this campaign.

Amy Woodward
Local Democracy Reporting Service

Image source, Getty Images

Plans to expand AFC Bournemouth's stadium are set to be approved when they go before a planning committee next week.

The Vitality Stadium currently does not meet Premier League compliance standards and the club is seeking to increase the number of seats from 11,286 to more than 20,000.

The proposals involve replacing one stand and extending and upgrading the others.

The club would also pay for upgrades at nearby Pokesdown railway station, a controlled parking zone, and improvements to cycle and pedestrian routes.

Under the plans, the south stand would be demolished and replaced while the north and east stands would be expanded and corners infilled to provide an additional 9,120 general admission seats and hospitality.

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