AFC Bournemouth
afcb.co.uk has been speaking to some of the key figures in AFC Bournemouth's rise from League Two to the Premier League, including Mark Molesley.
I gambled everything I had to sign for Bournemouth. I hadn’t played in the Football League at that stage and I tore up my contract at Grays to make it happen.
I put a lot of pressure on myself but I also knew I had to enjoy it. Whether it lasted a week, a month or a year, it was a bonus and if it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t be for the want of trying.
Playing in League Two was like playing in the Premier League for me. Seeing people like Darren Anderton in the changing room could be daunting, but it brought out the best in me.
Although the club was in trouble, I was loving every minute. I was living my dream even though there was so much riding on the club staying up. It was an odd time.
The team that pulled off the Great Escape worked hard and could have a laugh. The whole squad was so close and we were serious when we needed to be too.
Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall helped bring out the best in me. I played my best football under then but I’m not the only player that could say that.
If I was signing for Bournemouth now, I would be very excited because they have improved all the players they have worked with. For me, the gaffer is the very best and I feel privileged to have worked for him.
Sometimes I thought he was hard on me. Looking back, he was just constantly pushing me and demanding high standards.
I can split my time at the club in to two halves. It was cloud nine stuff before the injuries came and then it was difficult after that.
Retirement was a realistic possibility at one stage. Even though I had had three operations, I was going to give it everything to get back out on the pitch.
Coming back from injury is something I’m really proud of. There was frustration and problems brought about by the extent of the surgery, so it was an achievement to return and put a few more years on my career.
Eddie and Jason coming back was just what I needed at the time. I wasn’t in a good place when they came back in, they gave me some confidence and found me some playing time with a loan move to kick start my career again.
The club had been taken on to a new level by the players who came in and it was going to be difficult for me to get games. I didn’t want to be a burden to anyone and I left on good terms, which doesn’t always happen in football.
There aren’t many bigger supporters than my son and myself. I took my kids to the bus parade and my son always points out his favourite player Harry Arter at games.
I’ve started coaching in the academy and there are so many people to learn from. Richard Hughes, Carl Fletcher Joe Roach and all the others have so much experience. My old team-mate Stephen Purches has been a great help and I have learned so much from him.
I feel like I have something to give back to the young players. Bournemouth gave me a chance and it’s great to be able to pass parts of my experience on. It’s not often you get to work in such a special environment and one I believe in so much.
