AFC Bournemouth's last stand...

Far be it for me to push football during the summer months - some say there is more than enough of it during the ever lengthening season - but occasionally I intend to post the progress of the development of the local team's ground.

AFC Bournemouth, to be precise. As a one-time supporter (long, long ago), I was pleased to hear the recent news that for last year's efforts they had gained a promotion to the Football League Championship - level 2 in the English league system. If memory serves me correct, the last time this happened for them was in 1990 (then League Division 2), and they were able to continue in their existing ground since the capacity was deemed adequate for the larger gates they undoubtedly received at the time. Fast-forward to the 2013-14 season and things are a bit different.

They had a new stadium built in 2001 - still on the same site as the old ground, which has been there since 1910 - but with a capacity of just 9,600 fans. For reasons unknown to me (but probably financial), the re-build contained only three stands, which was fine for the level they were playing at in that period, but now something needs to be done. From what I understand, a new, temporary stand is to be built along the South Eastern edge to accommodate the expected greater influx of patrons during the forthcoming season, and it is this that I intend to document with my camera.

Let's hope The Cherries have some much-needed success - and continued input from their Russian benefactor - and can remain in its new echelon for years to come. Maybe even get something more permanent?  Mmm...that's nice, Max.



12-24mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor
Top: 1/400 second at f/11. + 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 250
Right: 1/320 second at f/11. + 0.67 EV compensation. ISO 250



© 2013