Bournemouth Travel – Tuesday

AFC Bournemouth v Hereford United
Football League 2
Tuesday 13th April 2010 KO 7.45 pm
Fitness First Stadium
Dean Court
Kings Park
Bournemouth
BH7 7AF
Phone 01202 726300
Ticket Office 01202 726338

The Cherries can trace their history back to 1890 as Boscombe St Johns Institute. From this early beginning came Boscombe FC moving to Kings Park near the present Dean Court in 1902. After a period in non-league, Boscombe joined the Football League as members of the Third Division South in 1923 and changed their name to Bournemouth and Boscombe. The 1956/57 season saw them making headlines when they defeated top-flight Wolves in the FA Cup follow by Spurs before eventually bowing out to Man United through an “offside” goal and a hotly disputed penalty. The seventies brought a period of success when 49 goals in a season from Ted MacDougal saw them promoted. More playing success followed until MacDougal left for Man United followed by Manager John Bond’s move to Norwich. Their departures signalled the disappearance of the 20,000+ crowds leaving the Club deep in debt and struggling on the field. A succession of “name” managers in the form of Alec Stock, David Webb, Don Megson and ‘arry Redknapp brought improved results but behind the scenes the financial worries eventually saw the Club call in the receivers in 1997. A supporters trust poured thousands into the club to ensure it’s survival and eventually, The Trust took over the Club to make it the first Community Club in Europe. At the turn of the millennium, The Cherries made a temporary move away from Dean Court to embark on a major re-build that was to see The Club eventually back in administration before finally being bought by Paul Baker and his Sport6 group.

The present Dean Court is a modern all-seated three-sided stadium with plans for a permanent fourth stand in the pipeline. Visiting fans are housed in part of the East Stand where there is provision for around 1200. Admission is £16 for adults and £7 for all concessions including students. It is believed that tickets need to be purchased from the main ticket office as the Bournemouth OS states that cash at the turnstiles is only available for blocks 1 and 2 of the Main Stand.

HUISA – Fare £17 (£18 non members). Seats can be booked through the Club office during normal hours (08442 761939). Departure is set for 2.30 pm from Radford’s.

FUNBUS – Departure 2.30 from ‘Spoons.

BY CAR – Travel to Gloucester then follow signs for Cirencester and on towards Swindon. At the M4, go straight on following signs for Marlborough (A346). Continue through Tidworth and from Salisbury, follow signs for Fordingbridge/Ringwood (A338). From Ringwood, follow signs for Bournemouth (A338). The A338 will take you straight to the ground with a turn off at the roundabout into Kings Park Drive (Signposted Dean Court). Distance is just over 130 miles and you should allow upwards of three hours. Postcode is BH7 7AF.

REFRESHMENTS – The East Stand has a concourse providing refreshments, a bar and Sky TV. Around the ground, the Pubs like the Green Park and The Dolphin often operate a home fans only policy so you may be better off trying the many Pubs and bars on the Bournemouth seafront. One Pub that comes highly recommended is The Goat & Tricycle at 27 West Hill Road where you will find a fine selection including Exmoor, Badger and Theakstons. In the city centre, you will find The Moon in The Square at 4/6 Exeter Road (‘Spoons), The Pig and Whistle in Queens Road where you’ll find a decent pint of Ringwood Best and a vastness of fizzy beer outlets. It’s probably a good bet to find a boozer between Salisbury and Ringwood. In particular, The Crown and The Ship at Fordingbridge or The Fish at Ringwood which is a riverside food Pub with usually three ales on. The nearest chip shop to Dean Court appears to be The Galley at 346 Holdenhurst Road which is a good walk from the ground.

Enjoy.

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