AFC Bournemouth
Scott Parker said that it was a special day after the club and fans had their first opportunity to show support for David Brooks at Vitality Stadium after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
The match programme’s front cover was dedicated to Brooks and there were messages of support from team-mates and fans broadcast on the big screens prior to kick-off, as everyone showed their support for the winger before the 3-0 win over Huddersfield.
Parker told afcb.co.uk: “It was a special day; it was the first time our home fans and us as a football club were together in this stadium and could show our support to David.
“He started his treatment yesterday and it was a very big moment in terms of that.
“I think it is evident from the minute that David was diagnosed that as a football club we are a group of people that dearly love him and are going to support him all the way through in this challenging time.
“I know David will be watching and I am sure he will feel that support and that strength that he is going to need."
The Cherries opened the scoring just moments after the fans had finished giving a minute’s applause for the 24-year-old, Dominic Solanke stepping up to fire home from the spot.
Parker knows how important the noise and energy from the home support can be and believes the fans played an important part in getting the team off to positive start.
He said: “I think I have said it numerous times that this stadium gets rocking – it’s an energizer.
"A stadium that can generate energy in terms of its tightness, the passion of the fans and the real intensity that it brings.
“The support again today was magnificent.”
