clear that we would not achieve that coveted and targeted 5th spot. This will undoubtedly come as a disappointment for Manager Dave, who set that target for himself and the team. I trust that, upon reflection, the lads will consider why it slipped beyond our grasp, with losses that should have been wins. I appreciate that some may argue, on balance, it has been a good season for the First Team. However, I sympathise with Dave—being laser-focused on particular outcomes takes an enormous amount of energy. When that level of commitment is not shared by all, it becomes a source of frustration and, in turn, disappointment. Cries will ring out of, "We will finish 8th and have a night at St Mary’s." To that, I say — as an ex-manager—cups are for players. It is not the consolation you may believe it to be for a manager and certainly not for our manager. I am pleased that our club has a manager who sets the bar high in expectation. It drives motivation, inspires, and delivers better performance for those who embrace it. It is not without its downside, though, as the pressure that accompanies it is significant. As long as expectations remain realistic— which 5th place was—our manager will have our full support. I look forward to working with Dave and the Committee to discuss how we can improve upon this season and ensure that, during the close season, we are best placed to mount the challenge for the next. Today, we welcome Bournemouth Poppies for our last home game of the season— an opponent we played just over a calendar month ago, resulting in our dropping two points. This emphasises exactly what I referenced above: a missed opportunity. I take this opportunity to thank all our matchday volunteers throughout the season. I thank the mascots, the flag wavers as our teams walk onto the pitch, and our Vice Chair, Matt Alford, for making positive changes to the matchday experience. I would also like to express my disappointment that the 'Millbrook Mash' was not the next big thing on the market. But, most of all, I thank you, our supporters. Along with our sponsors, you are integral to our club. I wish you all a great summer and look forward to seeing you when our pre-season friendlies start in July. Up the Dockers!
football clubs. Established by eight passionate individuals, including Alderman J Nethercoate, who later became Mayor of Bournemouth, the club was a founding member of the FA, Hampshire FA, and Bournemouth FA. In 1889, Bournemouth Rovers merged with Bournemouth Arabs, becoming Bournemouth FC, and in 1895, adopted its now iconic poppy red kit, earning the nickname “The Poppies.” Throughout its history, Bournemouth FC has played at three different grounds: East Common near Bournemouth railway station, Dean Park (now the home of Dorset County Cricket), and finally, Victoria Park, where they remain today. A historic moment came in 1878 when the club played under experimental electric lights at Dean Park, showcasing early innovation in football. The club spent much of its early years in the Hampshire League, achieving success with titles such as the Hampshire League Shield in 1913 and County Division Championships in 1914 and 1922. Bournemouth FC claimed the Hampshire Intermediate Cup three times—in 1950, 1970, and 1972—cementing its reputation as a competitive force in regional football. After an extended stint in the Hampshire League, the club moved into the Wessex League in 1986, where it has competed in every top-flight season since. Success in the FA Vase came in the 2011/12 season when the club reached the quarter-finals before falling to West Auckland Town. Another historic achievement arrived in 2010/11, as Bournemouth FC lifted the Wessex League Cup, securing a 1-0 victory over Winchester City. Other highlights include a third-place league finish in 1990/91 under Tommy Taylor and a runners-up spot in 1994/95 under Alex Pike. The club’s record victories include 8-0 home wins against BAT (1994) and Downton (2008), while their biggest away win was an 11-0 thrashing of Swanage Town & Herston in 1996. The club’s most dominant League Cup win came in 2006, defeating QK Southampton 11-0. Bournemouth FC’s home ground at Namu Road was generously gifted to the club by local landowner J Joy and later bought by Bournemouth Council in 1944 for £3,750, ensuring long-term stability. The club continues to develop its facilities, including a clubhouse opened in 1985 and a modern 205-seater stand that replaced a wooden structure lost to fire in 1974. With nearly 150 years of history, Bournemouth FC is proud of its legacy and continues to build towards future success while remaining a pillar of local football.
significant role in Hampshire football. Portsmouth Royal Navy FC (PRNFC) was established in 1962 by Dennis Probee to elevate the standard of football among Royal Navy players. They competed in the Hants League until 1986, becoming a founding member of the new Wessex League and moving to the Victory Stadium at HMS Temeraire. The mid-90s were a golden era for PRNFC, finishing in the top half of the Wessex League and reaching the semi-finals of the Wessex Cup in 1994/95 and 1995/96. In 2002, the club was relegated to the Hampshire League but made an impressive comeback, rejoining the Wessex League in 2004/05 and rebranding as United Services Portsmouth FC (USPFC). Throughout the years, USPFC has seen numerous achievements, including reaching the semi-finals of the Hampshire FA Senior Cup and finishing 3rd in the league in 2008/09. The club introduced a youth section, and in 2011/12, USPFC won the Portsmouth FA Senior Cup. Recent successes include reaching the FA Vase semi-final in 2020/21, gaining promotion to the Wessex Premier League, and finishing 17th in their debut season. The women’s team also achieved promotion to the Southern Region Women’s League. USPFC continues to develop its youth teams and looks forward to future challenges with a new group of players and management.
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