AFC Bournemouth
In our next International Supporter Blog, Laurence and Sebastian Clasby speak to us from Norway.
The cold wet Tuesday nights at Dean Court are what I remember the most, aged about 15, standing in the North Stand screaming at the referee for not giving us a free kick, stuffing down a delicious hot pasty and singing along to all the familiar chants.
There was such a sense of familiarity about the club, it seemed like the fans were part of the decor. You could watch the Cherries by yourself or with friends, but you would never feel alone.
Football has a funny way of uniting people.
Fast forward 30 years, three kids and a different country later, my love for AFC Bournemouth has only grown. Obviously living in Norway has presented some challenges in watching the Cherries live, but we never miss a match on TV. My three boys are all keen fans and even my Norwegian wife loves to join in with the shouting and screaming on match days!
On our return to the UK last month we had the pleasure of watching AFC Bournemouth play Stoke at Vitality Stadium and, although it was a tough game, we got the win in the end!
Our day was made even better by meeting Aaron Ramsdale just outside the stadium. It was a great experience for my lad to meet one of his biggest idols.
The trip was made extra special by all the help we received from John Jennings, one of the club's senior ticket assistants. What an absolute legend! John made the whole process of organising our tickets, making sure we received them, as well as numerous follow up emails, which really helped to make our trip the huge success it was.
We just can’t wait for our next trip back to Vitality Stadium. Hopefully we'll be back where we belong - as a Premier League team! Saying that, this season, the Championship hasn’t disappointed and it’s been full of surprises, ups and downs, and an emotional rollercoaster.
I have a great feeling though, that this year, we’re going up!
Up the Cherries!
Laurence and Sebastian Clasby
