From Bury to AC Milan: Bournemouth's journey to 'dreamland'
Bournemouth is set to face AC Milan in the Europa League, marking a significant milestone for the club that nearly faced liquidation in 2008. Fans and former staff reflect on the team's journey from the lower tiers of English football to European competition.
Why it matters
It serves as a human-interest story about resilience and the unpredictable nature of professional sports success.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Bournemouth play AC Milan 15 years to the day they lost at home to Bury in League One
"I'm pinching myself," says Bournemouth fan Kirk Tovey.
"It's not long ago we were playing Oldham Athletic and Hartlepool United in League One. Now I'm about to watch us play AC Milan.
Fifteen years to the day after Bournemouth lost 2-1 at home to Bury in the third tier of English football, the Cherries host seven-time champions of Europe AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday (20:00 BST).
It is a game between the club that refused to die against the 11-time European Cup finalists on what promises to be a momentous night in the history of the 127-year-old Dorset club.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
Bournemouth Defeats AC Milan in Historic Europa League Match
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