Who would have thought last July just how dramatic the 2008-09 season was going to be.  The players reported back to training after coming so close to a miraculous escape the year before.

Due to the club being under administration, players couldn't be signed, so manager Kevin Bond introduced a number of trialists to the squad for the pre season matches, though he was unable to sign any until the administration was over.

The first pre season match was a gentle warm up at Hamworthy Recreation, with Sammy Igoe marking his first game in a Bournemouth shirt with two goals, Brett Pitman grabbing the other.

A couple of days later, a press conference was held to announce that Paul Baker and Alistair Saverimutto were partners to Jeff Mostyn as the club made it's bid to exit administration.

The second friendly saw Poole Town beaten 3-0, Josh McQuiod was on the scoresheet in that match.

Portsmouth visited Dean Court for the first home friendly and the Cherries new kit was revealed, with JD Sports manufactuing and sponsoring the kit. 

Brett Pitman was on target, but the Premier League side ran out 4-1 winners with Peter Crouch making his Pompey debut.

While everything was busy behind the scenes looking to secure the future of the club, Bond was busy with his small squad, whilst Igoe continued to impress, as did keeper Shwan Jalal who was on trial from Peterborough.  The second home friendly saw Bristol City score a late goal to win 1-0.

The day after a 2-2 draw at Dorchester, Scott Guyett joined the club from Yeovil. 

Guyett played in the 4-0 win at Eastleigh in the final pre season match, with Pitman bringing his pre season tally up to six goals.

Sammy Igoe signed a contract with Bournemouth and Carl Petteffer was signed on a non contract basis.

Two days before the season started, they was a massive shock as although the league gave AFC Bournemouth their Football League share to be able to play in the coming season, it came with a massive deduction of 17 points.

The day before the season started, Joel Ward signed on a season long loan from Portsmouth.  Shwan Jalal signed intitially on loan from Peterborough, with a view of signing when restrictions were lifted on the club.