Tactically, we have to start from 22 October 2011. Bournemouth lose 2-1 at home to Bury, in League One, the English third tier. After that game the club sit 21st, with 12 points from 14 matches. Fifteen years to the day later, this Thursday at 8pm British time, they host AC Milan in the Europa League.
I opened my folder at the league table section. 21st with 12 points from 14 matches is the kind of numbers I read on a Monday like a verdict. I know them well. The difference is that for them, something came next.
I’m not saying my side in the third provincial division (Belgium’s Sunday amateur leagues) hosts Milan in fifteen years. I’m saying the road exists. A flat pitch away, mind you. Bournemouth are in Europe for the first time and have won their first two games. Against Sturm Graz, 3-0, there were 12,070 in the ground, the club’s biggest crowd of the 21st century. Their stadium is by far the smallest in the Premier League, and they are extending it. I have an extension project too: the clubhouse bar. Two more tables, if the card tournament pays.
Opposite, Ruben Amorim, former Manchester United manager. Milan are fourth in Serie A, 15 points from seven matches, four behind Inter. And Luka Modric, 41, should play: five starts this season. I have a 41-year-old midfielder too. He plays the first half, then he goes to pick up the kids.
“Over the last decade, my hometown club has achieved dreamland,” Tony Pulis told the BBC. Joe Partington put it more simply: “It’s Bournemouth against AC Milan in a competitive European match.” Now that’s a team talk. One sentence, everybody understood.
Freddy, fifteen years to go from 21st to Milan. How long have you been 9th?
I told her the level in the third provincial division has gone way up, people don’t realise. She didn’t push it. Tonight I’m watching the match with my towel on my shoulder and the 2011 table printed out next to me.
It’s true, we checked: BBC Sport.
