Bournemouth manager Marco Rose has paid tribute to the team that helped the club avoid relegation from the English Football League, a pivotal moment in the team's history. The team was on the brink of dropping out of the league in 2008 due to a 17-point deduction for failing to meet their terms for exiting administration.
A memorable goal by Steve Fletcher against Grimsby in the team's final home game of the season secured their survival, which was followed by a mass pitch invasion by joyous fans.
Rose, who took over as Bournemouth boss at the start of the season, is aware of the significance of this moment in the club's history as his team prepares to face Italian giants AC Milan in a landmark European fixture.
"We are looking forward to playing this game, but I think many years ago the club had a much bigger game after the points reduction," Rose said in a pre-match press conference.
"They needed to win the last game at home, and Fletch scored a goal - but it is not about Fletch, it is about the whole team. This is a foundation to be here, to have these kind of games, and we are looking forward to playing this game."
The Cherries have won their first Premier League game under Rose, beating Sunderland on Sunday, and now he wants to use that result as a springboard for continued success against AC Milan, coached by former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.
"We feel in a good spot," added Rose. "As I said days ago, we had other topics, and now we won two games back to back, and we are confident."
"But even before the two games we won, I always told you that I feel confidence in my team. Now we have created a good momentum for us, and we should use it."
