I think the rivalry exists from them as Bournemouth don't really have anyone else around them geographically. I was born in Bournemouth (when it was in Hampshire) and except for the odd few months here and there (Uni etc), I have always lived in the area. Since 2011, what I have noticed is that the cherries fans are beginning to feel like equals after so many years as 'little ole Bournemouth'. I think the Guardian article was pretty spot on - they are like the younger brother that has now matured and wants to prove himself to the older one. They get on well, but the younger one wants to have one over the older one. I have never felt them as a rival as we have always been in different divisions, but now what they do does effect out league position. The ideal world is we beat them, but they go on to beat those around us now we have a head start in points so we can climb higher
Is it really 5 years since we played them in league 1? I always thought we'd make it back to the premier league, but Bournemouth? Bloody hell.
Our achievement has been amazing, yet the Bournemouth story from bottom of league 2 is simply a miracle and well done to them.
Our baby is all grow'd up....he still looks 12 though. Interesting that Koeman says it was between Victor and James for the captaincy on Wednesday....quite a compliment for one so young.
I feel like the poor animal being feed ready for the butchers when the press do this too us...prefer being patronised like normal
Praised and made favourites...doesn't feel right. Should forget Bournemouth's bad losses and remember their 1-0 loss to Liverpool. We should approach this game as if they are a top side...and try having a decent first half. Bournemouth are not defensive, so we will get room....but we must put chances away and settle this. We have only 2 games before the international break and a winnable set of matches after that...chance to get that buffer zone we need.
Pumped. Positively pumped. Just put a nice joint of aberdeen angus into the oven so I'll be nice and sleepy at the match. Vin
Stoked. Could have gone to this one but needed an escape so ended up in Cheshire. Going to watch it at the pub though.
Just listened to Ralph being interviewed by Gary Richardson a Saints fan and failed trialist on the Iplayer. Brilliant. Starts at 45 mins in approx.
Just found a decent looking bar to watch the game later and there is a saints fan already in here .....bring on the cherries.
I can't see anything but a Saints win today. If Mane puts on a show, it could be horribly one-sided. Be nice if Gaston can come off the bench again today. So far his record this season reads that he has an assist in each of three games which he has played. That's not bad. As for this so-called derby, I see this so far away from being a derby it is untrue. How can it be a derby when I would hate to see them get relegated, and love to see them one day to finish 2nd behind us?
