Servant Smith continues to deliverpublished at 14:45 BST 13 May
14:45 BST 13 May
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
As Bournemouth's players celebrated Saturday's win at Fulham with the away fans, one of the team whose name was chanted most heartily was that of Adam Smith.
As club captain, longest-serving current player and the last remaining link to the Cherries' League One days, Smith knows the scale of the journey Bournemouth have experienced.
Smith was still a teenager when he joined the Cherries on loan from Tottenham for the 2010-11 season, having already been loaned out to Wycombe and Torquay. Returning to Spurs, Smith was then loaned to Milton Keynes, Leeds, Millwall and Derby, while making one solitary Premier League appearance for Tottenham as a substitute on the final day of the 2011-12 season.
Former Spurs manager David Pleat, still an influential figure behind the scenes at White Hart Lane at the time, remained an admirer of Smith but by January 2014, after seven loans in five seasons, it was time for the Leytonstone-born right-back to seek pastures new.
And it was Eddie Howe, now in his second spell as Bournemouth boss, who signed Smith for a second time with the club now in the second tier.
The form and fitness of Simon Francis meant Smith was initially a back-up, with 23 of his 29 appearances in the Championship-winning 2014-15 campaign coming from the bench.
Bournemouth began their Premier League life with the same back four they had fielded in League One three years earlier, but lost captain Tommy Elphick to injury early in the season. With Francis taking the armband and moving to centre-back, Smith had an opening at right-back, never looked back and is now, by a distance, their leading Premier League appearance-maker.
Smith has had plenty of competition for his place over the years, with Jack Stacey and Ryan Fredericks signed but later discarded. Ethan Laird was signed on loan, but barely got a look-in. Max Aarons and Julian Araujo remain on the books but spent 2025-26 on loan across the Old Firm divide in Glasgow.
While Alex Jimenez had looked to be the man to finally replace Smith long-term, he remains dropped from the squad pending an investigation into social media posts, a situation which unexpectedly opened the door for Smith to return to the starting XI and put in a terrific shift at Craven Cottage.
Even though their dream of European qualification is tantalisingly close, Smith has been at Bournemouth long enough not to celebrate until it is a certainty. But as a loyal servant for over a decade, he should celebrate it all the more.
'Man of integrity' Iraola could 'regret' his decision to leavepublished at 11:22 BST 13 May
11:22 BST 13 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Andoni Iraola made his decision to leave Bournemouth at the end of this season too early, with European football seemingly within touching distance at Vitality Stadium.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Wayne: I definitely think he might regret it now. I mean why would he go backwards and join Crystal Palace or go to Chelsea and get sacked in a few weeks because he has lost a few games? He should've stayed with the club he got to the European games, even if it was just for one more season, but I heard news reports he was going back to Spain.
Kathryn: He knows his own mind and I respect him for that whatever his reasons are. We will be desperately sorry to see him go, but I wish him well. He will be a very hard act to follow.
Marty: I firmly believe he jumped the gun, unless he has his eyes on a big Spanish club for next season. His former club has a new manager now, so that job is eliminated. If his family truly wants to go back to Spain, managing a bigger club is the only thing that makes any sense. I don't think he thought we would be in with a shot of European football when his announcement was made. I would've loved to see him coach us for at least one year in Europe.
Brad: If he goes to somewhere like Real Madrid, he obviously won't have any regrets. But, as a Cherries fan, seeing him go to a similar club like Crystal Palace would sting. I'd start to worry about why we couldn't keep hold of him in a case like that. Similarly, if Bournemouth got into the Champions League, it would be even more perplexing as to why he chose to leave. I really hope he doesn't regret it as I wish him all the best for his future.
Ian: He is a man of integrity. Unlike many others, he won't change his mind because the Spanish have pride in their decisions. However, I do believe he jumped too soon.
Greg: He is a super nice guy and an outstanding coach. I honestly think Bill Foley would've done anything possible to keep him, but he feels he has taken this club as far as he can and now is the right time to step away. I'm sure his stock value is sky-high, so good luck to him in his future endeavours. A huge thank you for his time at Bournemouth, from a lifelong supporter, but we have to respect his decision.
Chris: Our best manager ever, our highest end of season league position ever and the future couldn't look better. I'm baffled, unless it is all about money!
Would a corner rule change work?published at 11:18 BST 13 May
11:18 BST 13 May
Media caption,
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.
In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.
Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".
You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating:"Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"
Have Bournemouth learned from things 'Aston Villa realised too late'?published at 12:44 BST 12 May
12:44 BST 12 May
Media caption,
The Observer's football correspondent Rory Smith has been drawing comparisons between Bournemouth and Aston Villa's journeys from Championship to Europe on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
Andoni Iraola's side could qualify for European football for the first time in the club's history this season, right before he is due to hand over the baton to newly-appointed head coach Marco Rose.
"Aston Villa's argument [since their initial success] is that they've been held back by the mean PSR rules," Smith said. "They believe that stopped them from making the journey from Championship to Champions League in less than five years, which is apparently too slow.
"Bournemouth have been able to ride it out though. However, they have been very close to their PSR headroom, but that is obviously no longer relevant now it has been abolished.
"They have done really well in realising that the game is there to be played - and that game involves clubs like them selling a player every now and again.
"Every so often you do have to cash-in on a big player, which I would argue - and I know their fans don't like this - Aston Villa maybe realised too late.
"What is going on at Bournemouth is an extraordinary achievement. They haven't lost since they sold Antoine Semenyo in January, which is astonishing. They've had a real triumph in terms of squad-building and talent-spotting."
'Return of Kluivert may be just what Bournemouth need'published at 07:42 BST 12 May
07:42 BST 12 May
Tom Jordan Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
As the Cherries hunt down a spot in Europe for the first time in the club's history, the return of last season's goal machine may be just what they need to get over the line.
Justin Kluivert has been out for about five months, which was not only a significant blow for the Cherries, but also for his own World Cup hopes. However, his return to the Bournemouth squad for what could be two pivotal games could well be the final ingredient to take the club into a first European adventure.
If Kluivert can provide a couple of showings close to what he delivered last campaign, then it could be crucial.
Last season, Justin was definitely one of Bournemouth's standout performers, finishing as the club's top scorer with 12 goals, along with six assists. The Dutchman's sublime hat-trick at Newcastle was the highlight in what was a consistent and classy campaign throughout.
There's no doubt he will have been frustrated having spent so much of this season on the sidelines, not only to help his team-mates, but also for his own World Cup ambitions.
Kluivert was slowly becoming a key cog in the Netherlands squad before his injury and his timely boost to fitness could well mean his World Cup dream is still well and truly alive.
As for Bournemouth, it's always been evident that Andoni Iraola has faith in his substitutes to come on and help finish the job, so Justin may well have some big moments yet, albeit in a small amount of time.
After what has been a rough season personally, Kluivert could well end it by helping Bournemouth make club history and then jetting off to a World Cup too.
Did Iraola jump the gun before realising European chances?published at 16:09 BST 11 May
16:09 BST 11 May
Image source, Getty Images
As the Premier League season draws to a close, Andoni Iraola will no doubt be preparing to bring the curtain down on his time at Vitality Stadium against Manchester City on 19 May - his final home game in charge.
After nearly three years managing on the south coast, having replaced Gary O'Neil in June 2023, the Spaniard has just two games left before heading for the exit door.
The 43-year-old's dream finale would be securing the club's first taste of European football - but, as that becomes an increasingly likely possibility, will his departure be a case of a job well done or leave a sense of unfinished business?
In an interview with BBC Radio Solent last month, Iraola confirmed the club "tried to do everything" to keep him and insisted he had "no clue" if he will be coaching elsewhere next season.
"They had a formal offer in December," he said. "The seasons I've been here, I've been so satisfied that I almost don't want to risk it.
"I feel full of energy. It isn't that I am exhausted, I am more motivated to finish this season, but sometimes you have to choose well the moment to leave a place."
As of 31 December 2025, around the time when the two parties held talks, Bournemouth were 15th in the table on 23 points, five points off the Premier League's standard European spots.
As of 14 April 2026, the day Iraola announced he would be leaving, the Cherries were 11th on 45 points, just two points off the usual allotted European places.
So, with European football seemingly always within touching distance, some might be wondering why Iraola chose this season to step away from a project he has nurtured.
BBC Sport revealed that his family's desire to return to Spain was factored into his decision, amid talk of a return to former side Athletic Club.
However, the La Liga side have since appointed a new head coach in Edin Terzic and Bournemouth have announced Marco Rose as their new boss for the 2026-27 campaign.
Do you feel Iraola might have jumped the gun a little bit? Had he known Europe was so likely, would he have left? Or was this always going to be a natural next step in the Spaniard's managerial career?
'Bournemouth in touching distance of Europe feels surreal'published at 12:41 BST 11 May
12:41 BST 11 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington says seeing the growth of the club from the verge of bankruptcy to the verge of European football is "pretty incredible".
Brazilian teenager Rayan scored the winner against on Saturday against Fulham to extend the Cherries' 16-match unbeaten run and boost hopes of securing European football for next season.
"It feels slightly surreal for those of us who have been around it for a long time and have had an emotional attachment to the club," Partington told the Cherries: Unpicked podcast.
"There's two different sides to the Cherries. There's a modern-day version of young fans who only really know the Premier League era and have been spoiled and there's a nostalgic era of fans - many of whom were in that away end at Fulham.
"That's the best support I've ever seen Bournemouth have away from home. They have been in the depths and have been gifting their own money to try and keep the club afloat and now we're in touching distance of a European place.
"It does feel surreal because not many clubs feel that sense of growth from one place to another. We are seeing and feeling that and it is pretty incredible.
"It's a really nice period of time for the club to be in. I'm sure the players are playing with immense confidence. What the fans are witnessing and being able to celebrate is just incredible.
"It's just epic they could achieve the greatest feat in the club's history with two games to go of a Premier League season. It's all to play for and it doesn't look like the players are letting off trying to achieve it."
Can Bournemouth keep hold of Rayan, Kroupi and Scott?published at 12:08 BST 11 May
12:08 BST 11 May
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
In Bournemouth's structure, there is an acceptance that players will leave, but there is also hope that this summer will be less disruptive than the last.
Efforts are under way to renew midfielder Alex Scott's contract following his recent England call‑up, despite recent links to Chelsea.
Attacker Rayan, who joined in January for £30m from Vasco da Gama, is understood to want to remain on the south coast and would prefer to avoid a move - even to one of the world's biggest clubs - at this early stage of his development.
There is, however, concern that forward Eli Junior Kroupi could yet be poached having seen interest registered from several Champions League clubs.
In terms of incomings, Bournemouth have made three offers to centre‑back Marcos Senesi but still expect him to leave, making his replacement a priority. They could also look to add a centre‑forward, particularly if Enes Unal departs.
Forwards Amine Adli and injury‑hit Ben Gannon‑Doak have yet to play substantial minutes after replacing £42.5m Brentford signing Dango Ouattara, while the extra games as a result of European football could also provide greater opportunities for £10m January signing Alex Toth.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are unlikely to activate the £16m option to buy on‑loan goalkeeper Christos Mandas permanently, which would mean either seeking a replacement or renegotiating on reduced terms with his parent club Lazio.
Rob: Deja vu in May. Not good enough. We are slow when we attack, very pedestrian. Joachim Andersen very silly in his sending-off, we might have got something. The fiasco over whether Marco Silva will stay or go is affecting performance and causing negativity with the support.
Mick: Another dire performance. So negative and it's becoming desperate to watch. They all seemed scared to shoot and the 60% possession is mostly passing around in their own defence. They gave up weeks ago and the fans know it. Being booed off at the end was well justified.
Perry: Does Fulham not want Marco Silva or does Marco Silva not want Fulham? With two games left I can't help but feel the uncertainty has affected our chances of a European push…
Rob: Joachim Andersen cost us that game. After the Bournemouth red card we were playing really well then it went off the rails. Two meaningless games coming up and a summer of uncertainty awaits with Marco Silva, Harry Wilson etc.
Bournemouth fans
Paul: A strange one, with both sides (rightly) reduced to 10 men before the break. Rayan was the difference-maker again but huge credit has to go to Andoni Iraola for terrific game-management. Check your passports Cherries fans - we're heading to Europe!
Richard: Spirited, gutsy, energy-sapping resilience from Andoni Iraola's well-coached Bournemouth team. Amazing atmosphere and a truly wonderful connection between the players and the non-stop singing Bournemouth fans. Hats off to Rayan. Just when you think it isn't going to get any better...
Tony: Maybe not as much free-flowing passing as we've seen in recent games, but a good gritty performance that withstood Fulham's attempt to crank up the pressure in the last 20 mins. Should probably have put the result beyond a Fulham recovery earlier in the game.
Malcolm: What a crazy but interesting game. Both red cards were the right call by VAR which made the second half wide open with plenty of spaces to exploit. We seemed to have adapted quicker than Fulham but it remained a decent watch. A wonderful strike from Rayan settled it but Djordje Petrovic had another excellent game leaving us unbeaten in 16, wow!! Passports please?
Cherries closing in on European football 'is kind of bonkers' - Smithpublished at 09:25 BST 11 May
09:25 BST 11 May
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith says "it's kind of bonkers" that the Cherries are so close to qualifying for European football this season for the first time in club history.
Long-serving stalwart Smith told BBC Radio Solent: "It's an exciting time to be at this club, whether you're a fan, player or staff member.
"To potentially be in the Champions League or Europa or Conference is what dreams are made of.
"I never thought this club would be anywhere near that. It is kind of bonkers.
"The players we have at this club is scary. Somehow the club finds these players and credit for them for doing that.
"We've got a good group here which means you can bring in new players and they settle really quickly.
"It's a privilege to be here."
Smith came back into the side for Saturday's win at Fulham and replaced Alex Jimenez, who has been dropped from the squad while the club investigates posts on social media.
As captain, he said he "didn't do a meeting or anything like that" with the players, but he did call for them to keep their focus.
"I've been in this game a long time and it's something you can't prepare for," added Smith. "It's a tough time and I didn't expect to play, but it's under investigation.
"I just told the lads to concentrate on the game and they did so credit to the lads for not getting distracted.
"I felt we all stuck together out there and that's all we can do. Deal with it with professionalism and we done our job."
🎧 Bournemouth can almost touch Europepublished at 09:19 BST 11 May
09:19 BST 11 May
After Bournemouth's 1-0 win at Fulham, Jordan Clark and former Cherries defender Joe Partington break down the victory and the club's Champions League dream.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
'The beauty of the 'Bournemouth 2026' story'published at 12:58 BST 10 May
12:58 BST 10 May
Chris Wise Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There's something quite alluring about this Bournemouth story.
We're all asking the same question; can they actually make the Champions League? And what's next? The truth is, you probably don't really know your own ceiling when your football club has previously been face down on the floor.
Let's not kid ourselves. This Bournemouth team shouldn't be categorised anymore as the 'plucky ones' that worked their way up from the depths of the footballing pyramid. They're unrecognisable now and have become accustomed to the healthy benefits that being a Premier League club brings.
But that doesn't mean they're not still massively punching above their weight this season.
The beauty of the 'Bournemouth 2026' story is that they're about to get their rewards for being brilliantly coached, and brilliantly run.
You'd be hard pressed to find another top flight team that have recruited as well as Bournemouth have in the past few years. They've just landed hit after hit after hit. I still wonder how they pulled off the deal to get Rayan to the club. And he's just the tip of the iceberg.
Clearly, the departure of Andoni Iraola is going to be a massive blow this summer. But Bournemouth fans won't be overly worried by that as they fully trust the process now.
When one door closes, another opens. And there tends to be something shining just as brightly behind it.
Analysis: Champions League on cards?published at 18:04 BST 9 May
18:04 BST 9 May
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Bournemouth have never played in Europe before but not only is that looking increasingly likely for next term, it could well be Champions League football.
They are three points behind Aston Villa in fifth - albeit having played a game more - but are the side finishing the season in form, with this their fourth win in their last five Premier League games.
Liverpool, who face a tricky game at Villa and then a home game against in-form Brentford, are also still in reach.
The Cherries have a tough test next with a home game against Manchester City but that is followed by a final-day trip to Nottingham Forest, who could well be mathematically safe from relegation by then.
The key to Bournemouth's strong finish to the campaign has been the form of Rayan, who has now scored three goals in his last three Premier League games.
His goal was the 56th goal either scored or assisted by a teenager in the Premier League this season, the most in a campaign since 2006-07 (58), while only Liverpool in 1994-95 (23), 1997-98 (18) and 1998-99 (18) have scored more goals via teenagers in a Premier League season than Bournemouth this term (17).
However this win also highlighted how much the Cherries will miss manager Andoni Iraola.
The Bournemouth boss will leave the club in the summer and he showed great game management here as the visitors adapted better to being a man down, rarely looking troubled by Fulham aside from the late Josh King chance.
Fulham 0-1 Bournemouth: What Iraola saidpublished at 17:25 BST 9 May
17:25 BST 9 May
Media caption,
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola told BBC Match of the Day: "It's a team with spirit. As a coach, it's so easy with this group - they make my work a lot easier.
"The players are in a really good place."
On leaving the club at the end of the season: "We have such a good relationship with the players and the club. The process has been so clear and honest. Everyone knows what will happen next season.
"We are fighting to have this reward. You have to win a lot of points to get into Europe."
On his future: "I don't know. I have no rush to make decisions. I'm so focused on these last two games. It's massive for me personally to finish these beautiful three years in a lovely way. Then we'll have time.
"The new players have adapted quickly. The ones with us three seasons, they know what we need from every game. We know each other. This core group of 10, 12 players who have been here three seasons have helped us massively - and the new players also.
"Today was a very important step forward but we still have to get more points."
Did you know?
Bournemouth have won three consecutive matches against Fulham for the first time since October 2018, doing the league double over the Cottagers for the first time in the Premier League, last doing so in 2014-15 in the Championship.
Only Liverpool in 1994-95 (23), 1997-98 (18) and 1998-99 (18) have scored more goals via teenagers in a Premier League season than Bournemouth this term (17).
Through Junior Kroupi (in October) and Rayan today, Bournemouth are the first team in Premier League history to have two different teenagers score in three consecutive games in the same season.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Brentford", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Bournemouthpublished at 11:04 BST 9 May
11:04 BST 9 May
It's probably good news for Marco Silva's side that I am backing Bournemouth here. I've really struggled with my Fulham predictions this season - although in fairness they are not the only team I keep getting wrong.
Fulham have got a decent home record but Bournemouth are on such a good run and have now gone 15 league games unbeaten.
The Cherries won the reverse fixture in October thanks to a late comeback and I can see them nicking this one too.
Image source, Getty Images
