'If you've been on the rollercoaster, you'll understand the pride' - fan storiespublished at 15:58 5 August

We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Bournemouth and some of your favourite moments supporting them.
Here are some of your submissions:

Clive: From rags to riches. Over 50 years ago, I started to support my local team Bournemouth. Our history is chequered and a number of us have put our hands in our pocket, yet now the side is the best we have ever seen. But an undeniable ethos remains that together, anything is possible. From our trips to Darlington and Hartlepool to Old Trafford and Anfield, it has always a pleasure to shout out loud: "Up the Cherries in all departments!"
Mike: The simple fact that I was brought up in Bournemouth was the deciding factor. My first game was Bournemouth v Liverpool on 27th January 1968 in the FA Cup third round. I was 11 years old and I found it hard to see past the teenagers in front of me, hogging the fence. Apparently, we had a goal disallowed and I nearly got crushed in a sea of duffel coats after the game. The attendance was 24,388.
I also saw Bournemouth beat Margate 11-0 and I have great memories of watching us play during the Harry Redknapp years, when I could see the matches.
Unfortunately I've moved away and I rarely get to games now. People can tease about Bournemouth being a small club but unless you've been on the rollercoaster ride that is supporting Bournemouth, you'll never understand the pride of getting to where we are now.

Peter: I was brought up watching my father Laurie Cunningham playing for Bournemouth. I had a privileged start as a young boy, in terms of knowing all of the players and the staff. I have seen some great games at Dean Court, the highlight being a 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in 1957. My father passed away just before we reached the Premier League and he would have never believed what the Cherries have achieved.
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