Steve Fletcher, one of Bournemouth's most beloved figures, has opened up about what it means to see the club compete in European football for the very first time — and he is not hiding the fact that it may bring him to tears.
The Cherries travel to San Sebastián to face Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, marking a landmark moment in a club whose journey from the lower reaches of English football to the continental stage has been remarkable.
A season that almost lost its way
Bournemouth's push for a European place looked to be faltering around the turn of the year. Manager Andoni Iraola's side had gone 11 consecutive league games without a win, a run that stretched all the way back to October.
The turning point arrived in dramatic fashion. Antoine Semenyo struck in the 95th minute to seal a 3-2 victory over Tottenham — a goal made all the more memorable because it came just two days before he completed his transfer to Manchester City. From that night onwards, Bournemouth were unstoppable, going unbeaten for the remainder of the season to claim sixth place and a Europa League berth.
Fletcher reflects on an unforgettable run-in
Fletcher, who has been associated with Bournemouth almost continuously since 1992, told FourFourTwo that the Semenyo goal was the catalyst the squad needed.
