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Dave and John's Fans' Champion Story

Dave Ellis and John Brewer shared their heart-warming story on Saturday as they were Fans' Champions for the match against Norwich City.

Our Fans' Champions embody the pride we feel in ourselves as AFC Bournemouth supporters, walking onto the pitch ahead of kick-off to place the match ball on the plinth in front of a full Vitality Stadium.

A chance encounter led to a strong bond between Saturday's nominees.

Dave and John have been coming to games at Vitality Stadium together for around 20 years, with Dave being a supporter since 1955.

Being totally blind, Dave can’t see the action and therefore can’t watch football without the help of John.

The friends come to every game with John talking Dave through every kick, every foul and every goal almost like a commentator, and it’s the atmosphere and friendly faces in the North Stand that make the occasion so special every week.

On a Friday night, the two get together and John will play out Eddie Howe’s pre-match press conference for Dave ahead of the Saturday game.

The two met when John was doing a job at Dave’s house and noticed all the AFC Bournemouth memorabilia and it is the club that brought the pair together decades ago. Ever since, they’ve become the closest of friends and Dave wouldn’t be able to come and enjoy the football without John there.

To nominate a Fans' champion email enquiries@afcb.co.uk with their name, a contact number and a reason why they should be chosen.

Supporters should note that the successful candidate will need to have a ticket to the game.