Your views on Francis departure published at 11:30 BST 5 May
11:30 BST 5 May
We asked for your views on the news that technical director Simon Francis will depart the club at the end of the season. It represents a summer of change given Andoni Iraola is also on the move, so how will Bournemouth cope?
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: Franno is probably going to be a bigger miss to AFCB than the fans realise. As a technical director, he must have learned a lot from Pinto and Richard Hughes previously. Player recruitment has been exceptional at the club in the last few years. We wish him the very best.
Jerry: Let's celebrate the Bournemouth alumni that so regularly move upwards in their careers. We are a small club and can't offer the career potential of the larger outfits. We've got a great reputation now as a great place for the brightest potential to spend time developing themselves.
Steve: I don't think the club will lose any sleep. Mr Pinto brokered all the deals and will continue to do the same.
Peter J: Very sad Francis is leaving - a true Cherry, excellent defender and great behind the scenes. All the best for whatever your future holds and thanks from a long time Cherry fan.
Can 'superb' Scott fire Bournemouth to the top six?published at 07:47 BST 5 May
07:47 BST 5 May
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
"I love him. He's got everything that a midfielder should have playing in the Premier League. I love his game."
Those were the words of Premier League winner Micah Richards, praising the latest impressive Alex Scott performance on Sunday's Match of the Day.
The 22-year-old has featured in every one of Bournemouth's 35 matches this season - starting 32 times - operating in deep midfield, central midfield, and, at times, attacking midfield.
Against Crystal Palace on Sunday he once again thrived as part of a pair at the base of midfield with Tyler Adams, behind the attacking quartet of Junior Kroupi, Marcus Tavernier, Rayan and Evanilson.
Only central defenders James Hill and Marco Senesi, so key in how Bournemouth build from the back, had more than Scott's 69 touches against the Eagles, while only Senesi made more than his 43 passes.
The touch maps below illustrate his impact all across the pitch and show the variety of passes he completed and balance between progressing and retaining possession.
It is testament to Scott and his teammates that they continue to shine after losing so many key figures.
Much was made about the loss of Antoine Semenyo in January and how that could derail the Cherries' season. They are unbeaten since his exit.
The January addition of Rayan has been almost a seamless transition, while the emergence of Junior Kroupi has eased much of the goalscoring burden.
Despite a churn of players and recognition that those who perform well will likely be moved on for profit, the trust in the recruitment process and stable environment around the club allows those already at the club time and space to find their feet.
Scott endured a challenging first season at Bournemouth after signing from Bristol City in the summer of 2024, interrupted by a meniscus tear, but has kicked on in his second campaign to become a pivotal figure in the squad and put himself on the brink of a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad.
"He's having a brilliant season and standing out in every game. Superb," said Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer, also on Match of the Day.
Scott has played the fourth-most minutes in the Bournemouth squad, leads the way in possession won (176), and is only behind the aforementioned impressive Senesi in passes into the final third (177).
"He's my wildcard for the World Cup," added Richards.
"He takes a good set-piece but it's his calmness on the ball. He can pass well and receive the ball between the lines.
"A lot of midfielders hide and don't want the ball but he's brave on it. He keeps it moving.
"Every time I watch him, he's so confident on the ball."
'Incredibly difficult to say goodbye' - have your say on Francis' exitpublished at 16:11 BST 4 May
16:11 BST 4 May
Image source, Getty Images
Simon Francis says Bournemouth will "always hold a very special place" in his heart after his it was confirmed he will depart his role as Technical Director at the end of the season.
Francis - who played for the Cherries for nine years and captained them into the Premier League - took on the role in the summer of 2024 after returning to the club as an assistant to Richard Hughes in 2021.
"Bournemouth has been my home for so many years, and it's incredibly difficult to say goodbye," Francis said in a statement.
"I've been proud to represent this club both on and off the pitch, and I'm grateful to everyone I've worked with along the way.
"AFC Bournemouth will always hold a very special place in my heart and I look forward to watching the continued success of the club going forwards."
Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley added: "Simon's contribution to AFC Bournemouth over the past 15 years has been extraordinary.
"From captaining the club during its historic rise to the Premier League to his impact as technical director, he has embodied the values and spirit of this football club."
President of Football Operations, Tiago Pinto, said: "Simon has been a vital part of our football operations, bringing professionalism, insight, and a deep understanding of the club's identity. His influence will have a lasting impact, and we thank him for his dedication and commitment."
Cherries fans, how do you feel about Francis' exit? Are you concerned with the summer of change that's coming at Bournemouth? What can help drive things forward?
Bournemouth 3-0 Crystal Palace - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:50 BST 4 May
11:50 BST 4 May
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium.
Here are some of your comments:
Bournemouth fans
Simon: Andoni Iraola orchestrated another masterpiece and the players delivered. Rayan is showing just how menacing he can be, but he does need a lighter touch at times. Alex Scott and Alex Jimenez were the standouts. I've just checked my passport is in date, just in case!
Paul: Crystal Palace were only poor because Bournemouth never allowed them to be involved. Even Ismaila Sarr's effort that hit the post would've been ruled offside. But credit should be given to the away supporters, who never stopped cheering their side on.
Malcolm: From solid defending to three high-pressing forwards, it was more than comfortable in the first half. Crystal Palace didn't turn up until the second half and they had a mountain to climb. The penalty was soft, but who wouldn't take it? Adrien Truffert is excellent, he had another top performance, as did Marcus Tavernier. The dizzy heights of sixth in the Premier League, should I pinch myself?
Stewart: Well I don't have a lot to say, just that I would love to beat Man City for Arsenal and for my long gone Grandad. That would also help to put my beloved Cherries in Europe, whatever the competition! Please stay Kroupi and Rayan. Have some fun boys!
Palace fans
Steve: The line-ups suggested Palace wouldn't get much out of this game, yet it was still hugely disappointing how poorly they played. The first half was, quite frankly, awful. There was no shape and no quality, Bournemouth had far more skill and pace. Palace have put all their eggs in the Conference League basket, yet they are still not mathematically safe from the drop. Let's hope it pays off and Glasner is not left to rue his team selections.
J: We are well and truly in a battle to avoid relegation now. We've thrown away far too many points all season. This Palace side need a new direction.
Andy: Our possession was amiss plus our passing in terms of both general play and free kicks was abysmal. Yeremy Pino was one of the main culprits, he needs to be rested for Thursday's game.
Dave: It was clear from this performance what the priority is for Palace. I can't blame them for having one eye on Thursday's game, with the chance to reach a major European final, but the manner of the performance from the rotated squad players didn't sit well with me. The first half display was easily the worst of the season. There were a lot of lacklustre performances. It was almost like this game really wasn't wanted and they had given up before a ball was kicked. Silver lining though, we had no new injuries! On to Thursday for the big game.
Sixth will earn a Europa League place at the very least, with some of the contenders having never qualified for Europe before.
However, both elements needed for sixth place to become a Champions League spot seem quite plausible.
Aston Villa would need to finish in fifth, exactly where they currently reside, and win the Europa League. They trail Nottingham Forest 1-0 after the semi-final first leg, but they are at home for Thursday's return leg.
This scenario will only play out if Villa finish fifth - and not in the top four or below fifth - because of a quirk in Uefa's rules.
The Premier League landed a fifth Champions League place because of the English teams' performances in Europe - something called the European Performance Spot (EPS).
So if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, that EPS spot would be passed down to the team in sixth, who would qualify for the Champions League.
However if Villa finish in the top four, winning the Europa League would make no difference to any other English team and the sixth-placed finisher would qualify for the Europa League.
With Aston Villa six points clear in fifth, sixth place appears to be the highest any of the other teams could finish.
At the moment, Bournemouth are on 52 points - one point clear of Brentford, who are one point above Brighton.
The Cherries and the Bees have never played in European competition before, while the Seagulls' only Uefa campaign was in the 2023-24 Europa League.
Chelsea are four points behind Bournemouth, but they have a game in hand against Forest.
Fulham are level on points with Chelsea. Everton, who have a game in hand against Manchester City, and Sunderland are on 47 points - so they are just about in the race.
Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leeds could still mathematically - but not so realistically - qualify for the Champions League.
'There's excitement... but we need to turn the page quickly'published at 08:20 BST 4 May
08:20 BST 4 May
Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams says there is "belief" in the camp but cautioned that they need to "turn the page quickly" before Saturday's trip to Fulham, where they can edge closer to securing European football.
He told BBC Radio Solent: "We're trying to be as calm and composed as possible. Obviously, there's excitement there and there's belief, which I think is the most important thing.
"We just need to continue playing the way we are playing because it's not just the 11 guys who started, it's the guys coming off the bench and making an impact and the way we train every day.
"Our target at the beginning of the season wasn't to try to make Europe. You don't want to put that in your head too early but if you can stay in and around that position - those top 10 spots - you never know what can happen in the Premier League. Things change really quickly.
"We're feeling good about ourselves right now but we need to turn the page quickly because we have another difficult game coming up.
"When you say the number out loud - 15 games unbeaten in the Premier League - it is really unheard of."
Analysis: Bournemouth inch closer to Europepublished at 16:37 BST 3 May
16:37 BST 3 May
Adwaidh Rajan BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Sunday's Premier League meeting between Bournemouth and Crystal Palace pitted two managers who will leave their clubs this summer against each other.
And it was Andoni Iraola who emerged as the clear winner against Palace and their manager Oliver Glasner - extending the Cherries' unbeaten run in the top flight to a club record 15 matches.
The comfortable 3-0 home win helped Bournemouth leapfrog Brighton and Brentford to sixth place in the league standings.
A sixth-placed finish would secure a place in next season's Champions League if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth in the Premier League.
Only one team in Premier League history have managed a 15-game unbeaten run and finished outside the top six - Chelsea, who were 10th in 2015-16.
European qualification would be a perfect parting gift for Iraola, who joined the club in 2023 and will leave this summer when his contract expires.
But Bournemouth must extend their remarkable run against fellow European contenders Fulham, title-chasing Manchester City and Nottingham Forest in their final three games to do so.
Bournemouth 3-0 Crystal Palace: What Iraola and Tavernier saidpublished at 16:34 BST 3 May
16:34 BST 3 May
Media caption,
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, speaking to Sky Sports: "We dominated the game. Especially in the first half, we played really well. Second half they made some subs, put dangerous players in, but we still controlled the second half. I am really pleased, the players showed they wanted to get something from this season. We are in a good spot but need more points.
"We have the experience from past seasons. It's a nice season, we are doing well, but we need extra, not to give anything to the opposition. In key moments of a season, we are improving in this. These things can make the difference.
"We want to give the players the chance to play in Europe next season. It would be massive."
On Junior Kroupi: "Junior is growing, he is finishing in a good place. I think he is a great finisher. His contact is so clean that you trust him."
Bournemouth captain Marcus Tavernier, speaking to Sky Sports on his side's 15-game unbeaten run: "It's been a long time coming for us. We knew if we started doing what we are able to do, then results would come. It's not down to luck, it's about the hard training we have done."
On the performances of youngsters Junior Kroupi and Rayan: "It's been unbelievable, they are two world-class talents. I don't think they will be at Bournemouth for a long period of time given the quality they have got. It's brilliant to have them on the pitch. As a team, we give the young players the confidence to go out and play with freedom."
On the race to secure European football: "Last season was a tough one to take. We knew three points was important today. We have got three games left to keep the dream alive.
"We want European football. Champions League would be a bonus, but our focus is just to finish as high as we can and take it from there."
Did you know?
Bournemouth have extended their Premier League unbeaten run to 15 games (W7 D8), the longest active streak of any side in the division, and the Cherries' longest ever in the top flight of English football.
In Junior Kroupi and Rayan, Bournemouth are the first side ever to have two teenagers score a goal in back-to-back Premier League games.
Oliver Glasner makes five changes to his Crystal Palace side after their 3-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night.
Chris Richards, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell, Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta move to the bench.
In come Chadi Riad, Justin Devenny, Jefferson Lerma, Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Crystal Palace" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man Utd v Liverpool".
Sutton's predictions: Bournemouth v Crystal Palace published at 10:02 BST 3 May
10:02 BST 3 May
Bournemouth are unbeaten in 14 league games and have only lost twice at home all season. Their fans must be wondering whether life will be as good when Marco Rose replaces Andoni Iraola next season.
This is probably a good time to play Crystal Palace, whose minds will be on their Europa Conference League semi-final with Shakhtar Donetsk.
It will be close but I am going for Eli Junior Kroupi and co to edge this.
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:12 BST 2 May
13:12 BST 2 May
Sophie Brown BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, two teams with Europe on their minds, meet at Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
The Andoni Iraola farewell party continues with the Cherries seeking to go unbeaten for a 15th consecutive Premier League match, the longest current such run in the top flight.
They are firmly on course for a European debut next season. Only two teams have had a 14-plus game unbeaten run within a season and finished outside the top six: that was Wimbledon in 1996-97 and Chelsea – who have been linked with a move for Iraola - in 2015-16.
If Bournemouth fans have a complaint, it could be the number of draws – seven in their past 10 league games – with the past five matches at Vitality Stadium ending in a stalemate.
But they will be expecting to keep up their unbeaten run against Palace, who might have one eye on their Conference League semi-final, and who have not beaten Bournemouth in any of their past five Premier League meetings (L2, D3).
Like Bournemouth head coach Iraola, Palace boss Oliver Glasner will also be leaving at the end of the season.
While Iraola's parting gift is set to be getting the Cherries into Europe for the first time, Glasner has moved Palace a step further on and is hoping to bring home major continental silverware for the first time.
The visit to the south coast is sandwiched between the two Conference League semi-final games against Shakhtar Donetsk, with Palace in great shape to progress after winning the away leg 3-1 on Thursday.
It was also a welcome win away from home, after back-to-back defeats on the road, including at Liverpool last weekend, where Palace had more shots and more shots on targets that their hosts but came home without any points in a 3-1 defeat.
In fact, the Eagles have lost seven of their past 13 Premier League away games, as many defeats on the road as in their first 28 matches under Oliver Glasner.
They have mainly defended well at Bournemouth in recent times, keeping a clean sheet in five of their eight Premier League games there.
Even so, the overall head-to-head record has tipped in the Cherries' favour, with Palace failing to win any of their past five matches against them.
Francis to leave Bournemouthpublished at 16:22 BST 1 May
16:22 BST 1 May
Image source, Getty Images
AFC Bournemouth's first-team technical director Simon Francis will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 41-year-old is set to move to a new job overseas.
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are understood to be amongst the teams interested in appointing the former Cherries defender.
Francis' departure will bring an end to his 15-year association with Bournemouth.
The former defender first joined the club on loan from Charlton in 2011 before making the move permanent in January 2012.
Francis went on to make more than 300 appearances for the club and was a key member of Eddie Howe's squad that gained promotion from League One to the Premier League.
Following his retirement from playing in 2020, Francis joined the recruitment set-up at Vitality Stadium, working under his former team mate Richard Hughes as assistant technical director.
Francis was then promoted to first-team technical director in 2024 when Hughes left for Liverpool.
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Iraola on Kluivert, Europe chase and Crystal Palacepublished at 15:52 BST 1 May
15:52 BST 1 May
Marissa Thomas BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Iraola gave an injury update on his squad as midfielder Justin Kluivert is back with the team after five months out: "It's very positive news for us, Justin is a very important player in our team. He has been training this week, still not fully but at a very good level. Probably Sunday arrives too early for him but I think he will help us in the last games of the season and he will have quality minutes. His knee is responding really well after training."
Iraola added: "The only other one out is Lewis Cook. I hope next week he starts training with us but everyone else is recovered and we hope now with Justin and Lewis everyone is in a good place to help because we will need everything. I hope everyone pushes."
On whether he can take Bournemouth into Europe for the first time in 127 years: "The opportunity is there. I think we are in a very good place but we still need a lot of points. The situation is very tight. If we want to get Europe, we have to win games. We have four chances like the others starting from Sunday against Palace. We don't have an easy game so we will have to earn everything but I think we have shown that we want to take this opportunity and we arrive to this decisive moment in a good place."
On how many points he thinks they need for Europe: "We really don't know. You need a good amount of points in these four games because there are a lot of teams in the fight. Everyone is fighting and has difficult games. We need to win at least two games, maybe three."
On Crystal Palace: "It is very difficult to score against Palace, they defend so well, they are so organised and it is a very well coached team. They know what they are doing and it is difficult to create clear chances against them. Every detail is going to be very important. Normally they start games very well. We also have to start strong."
On fan reaction since he announced his departure: "I have always felt very valued and supported and my interactions are always very positive. I am very thankful because of this."
Four games left - Europe the potential prizepublished at 11:49 BST 30 April
11:49 BST 30 April
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth fans had been slightly waiting on tenterhooks for the scheduling of their final home game to be finalised, before it was announced on Tuesday.
As soon as Manchester City booked their place in the FA Cup final, their match with the Cherries needed to be rearranged and, although it may feel slightly odd to have a final home game of the season as a midweek encounter, it will still leave four clear days between that match on Tuesday 19 May and the season-ending trip to Nottingham Forest.
Indeed, Bournemouth approached the end of the league season in the unusual position whereby four of their last five opponents were involved in three separate cup competitions, with three of those four games requiring a new date.
The events of the dying minutes of their last game, against Leeds, still rankle with supporters, after Evanilson's goal was ruled out when his shoulder was ruled to be offside, before Leeds' equaliser was given despite having an offside player standing in front of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
It was a sentiment shared by several Cherries players, judging by their postings on social media after the game.
But every Premier League team will probably have a list of perceived VAR injustices and it will be important for players and fans to put that game behind them as they head into the final four matches, still unbeaten in a league-high 14 games.
Crystal Palace (home), Fulham (away), Manchester City (home) and Nottingham Forest (away). A potential 12 points up for grabs. Europe the potential prize.
Who can honestly say they would not have settled for this position heading into May, after seeing three-quarters of the defence sold last summer and their best attacker in January?
'Iraola will finally get what he deserves' - fans hopeful for Europepublished at 13:26 BST 29 April
13:26 BST 29 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Bournemouth's chances of qualifying for European football this season, with just four fixtures left for Andoni Iraola's side to stake their claim.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Katie: Four cup finals to go! It's ours to lose. The results went our way again over the weekend, so if we keep performing there's no reason why not. What an end to Iraola's reign it would be!
Ross: I'm confident we will qualify for Europe, especially since we should've got three points against Leeds United the other night. We should take three points against Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A) and Nottingham Forest (A). Man City at home is a difficult one, but they have played lots of games so we could maybe take one or all three points. We are in a good position and we should be able to finish eighth at worst, which could still become a European spot. I reckon we could win the Europa Conference League with Marco Rose's European experience and history. Iraola will finally get what he deserves, European football!
Malcolm: Why not be positive? The opportunity is there and Iraola will only focus on the next game, as will the players. A win against Crystal Palace is the next chance to edge towards a piece of history. In Andoni we trust.
Kirsi: Bournemouth have somewhat favourable remaining fixtures. We are also carrying good form in to May. However, our frequent draws have caused some problems. Bournemouth should still be able to snag a spot though, through the potential extra spots, which is lucky.
Terry: It is very possible. We need to keep winning and hope teams around us struggle. I believe in the team and coaches to do it for Iraola and us older supporters. But, if not, we will still be there supporting.
Bournemouth's race for Europe a 'remarkable story' published at 09:36 BST 28 April
09:36 BST 28 April
Sam Davis Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Compared to 2009, AFC Bournemouth is very much a very different football club.
Here in 2026, Cherries fans are currently hopeful of claiming a potential European spot in the Premier League come the end of the current season, yet nearly two decades ago it was very different.
Indeed, many of those hardened supporters will be reminiscing today, remembering a gruelling time that felt equally special for totally contrasting reasons.
It was 17 years ago where a 2-1 home win over Grimsby Town salvaged Bournemouth's football league status against all odds - it was simply the greatest of escapes.
The nervous energy was high, but so was the hope surrounding Dean Court before kick off, as the Cherries could secure their safety and keep their place in the football league despite a 17-point deduction.
Coming from behind in the game itself, it was a fairy-tale ending as club legend Steve Fletcher smashed home for the victory, and ultimately survival.
It was an incredible performance from a team full of character, hunger and drive. Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall lead the side like true leaders, sending their lads out for battle - and each and every one of the players and staff will be remembered with great fondness forevermore by all Cherries fans.
Fast forward to now, 17 years on, and the south coast side are in a strong position among the elite fighting for a European spot.
Regardless of whether they achieve it or not, it has been a remarkable story, and it gives hope to clubs who may well be in a difficult place. It can change for the better - and at some speed too - because if this Bournemouth rise was a film, surely it'd be deemed too far-fetched?
But it isn't, the club went from surviving to thriving in 17 roller-coaster years.
