Bournemouth

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We asked for your thoughts after Bournemouth qualified for the Europa League as Andoni Iraola's final game in charge ended in a draw at Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Malcolm: A Cherries fan for over 58 years and it doesn't get any better than this. 18 games unbeaten, sixth-place finish in the league and a place in the Europa League next season. Eternally thankful for the three years Andoni has given to the club and what he has achieved. To quote our ex-chairman Jeff Mostyn, "Together, anything is possible." One very proud Cherries fan.

Daniel: It's a relief they're going to Europa and not the Champions League. They would not have done that well, but the Europa is a better introduction. Look at Swansea, they beat Valencia 3-0 away in their first game in Europe!

Mick: Superb season for the Cherries. Andoni will be missed, but the management is top-class. Developing players - which has sadly caused the club to lose some absolute stars, like the whole defence at the end of last season - but the recruitment has been top-notch. I look forward to seeing how the club evolves under Marco Rose. Best of luck in Europe... A position I never thought I'd see when I started following them in 1962. Remarkable.

Steff: What a great job Iraola has done! Hopefully he won't take a step backwards by joining Crystal Palace. That would just be silly! Shades of Southampton for Bournemouth, who reinvigorated several managers, but couldn't keep hold of the best of them, thus stopping their upwards trajectory. I hope I am wrong and that they continue to shock the football world, for some years to come.

Keith: I remember watching from the New Stand on a cold, wet night in February and we played out a draw (I think 0-0) against Barrow. Miserable! Less fans at Dean Court than at City Ground. How times have changed! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we would get to the Premier League, let alone European competition. UTCIAD.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Andoni Iraola replaced Gary O'Neil in June 2023 having taken Rayo Vallecano to 11th in La Liga after leading them to promotion in his first season.

Just three wins in his opening 14 games - including chastening defeats by Arsenal and Manchester City - cast initial doubt on that call as the Cherries took time to adapt to his high-intensity methods.

They won just three points from his opening nine league games before a victory against Burnley earned a first win at the 10th attempt.

"We couldn't take in all the information at first," former striker Dominic Solanke said at the time.

"For me, I'm pressing with a number 10 behind me and, at first, our timing was off. We didn't know when to press or to drop, but now it's second nature as the manager has gone through it many times and it's embedded in our heads, and we are all on the same wavelength. It's natural now."

In the season prior to taking charge at Bournemouth, Iraola's Vallecano forced more high turnovers which led to a shot (68) than any side in the top five European leagues than Bayern Munich (73).

And imposing a similar style at Bournemouth was more his aim on arriving than looking to secure matches against continental opposition.

"I had no idea [about reaching Europe when joining]," said Iraola.

"The first thing from the club was more than the results, changing the style, changing the approach, being more offensive and proactive – that's why they signed me.

"The club was focused on this and this is why I was attracted to the idea. The way of playing took some time but it has given us some incredible results. We have beaten the points record every single season.

"I knew it was almost impossible to get Europe but the owner told me since the beginning 'I want Europe.' To finish the three seasons giving back, not just to the owner but the fans and players, it is one way of thanking them."

Read more about Iraola's time at Bournemouth here

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

Andoni Iraola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I am feeling so happy right now, so, so happy. Now that everything is done is when you start to think and I become a little bit more emotional. I enjoyed the last moments, the celebrations with the supporters.

"I am quite hard, but I have been really close [to tears]. I cannot ask for much more. I have been so lucky to be in this moment with this group of players with this club. I think it is the perfect ending and I am so thankful."

On what will be hardest to say goodbye to: "The people. I see these guys every day. My every day has been so good. I have enjoyed this so much and it is not easy.

"When you go to work with a smile, even in moments where results are maybe not as good, it is more a challenge. The atmosphere in the club is so positive. The club is growing. Now we are getting incredible results, it is good always to work in this kind of environment."

On what is next for him: "I don't know where I am going. I think it is a moment where we will have to take our time and make decisions. Obviously it's not going to be long because teams have to sign managers. Now is the moment where we will take decisions."

Listen to more from Iraola on BBC Sounds

Hit play below to hear Marcus Tavernier telling BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark how the Cherries' "success is fully deserved", or listen on BBC Sounds here

Did you know?

• Bournemouth have finished the 2025-26 Premier League season in sixth place, their highest ever placing in the top flight of English football, rounding out the season with an 18 game unbeaten run. The only non-title winning teams to have a longer run at the end of a campaign are Chelsea (21 in 2007-08) and Liverpool (19 in 2021-22), both of whom finished second.

Bournemouth will play Europa League football next season after finishing sixth in the Premier League.

In the latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked, Jordan Clark and Joe Partington assess the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest and review an incredible season for Andoni Iraola's side.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

On the final day of last season the Champions League was on the line at the City Ground.

Then it was Nottingham Forest, who had spent so long inside the top four, who missed out.

This time visitors Bournemouth were the ones who could have joined the elite to give Andoni Iraola the perfect send off.

It was not to be but that Bournemouth were even in the discussion for Champions League football is extraordinary.

Iraola leaves having taken them into Europe for the first time in their history and with a new training ground and plans to expand the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth are on the brink of a new era.

German Marco Rose has the foundations to push the Cherries to the next level after being appointed as Iraola's successor, the club acting swiftly in April to ensure a smooth transition of power.

The former RB Leipzig manager will expect to have the tools to succeed on the south coast with the club able to attract a different level of player with the lure of European football.

That platform has been created by Iraola, who leaves after a successful three years in charge and having lifted Bournemouth to new levels.

We want to know how you're feeling after Bournemouth qualified for Europa League as Andoni Iraola's final game in charge of the club ended in a draw with Nottingham Forest.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Vitor Pereira makes two changes for Nottingham Forest's final game against Bournemouth.

Ibrahim Sangare returns in midfield to make his first start since the end of April in the 5-0 win at Sunderland.

Jair Cunha also returns to the side while Elliot Anderson makes his 50th appearance of the season for Forest.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Jair Cunha, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson, I. Jesus, Wood.

Subs: Ortega; Awoniyi, Ndoye, Dominguez, Yates, McAtee, Netz, Abbott, Sillah.

Bournemouth are unchanged as they look to qualify for the Champions League ahead of Andoni Iraola's final game in charge.

The Cherries need results to go for them - Aston Villa to lose at Manchester City and Liverpool to beat Brentford - for sixth place to earn a Champions League place.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Hill, Sensi, Smith, Truffert, Adams, Scott, Tavernier, Kroupi, Rayan, Evanilson.

Subs: Mandas, Cook, Toth, Diakite, Brooks, Unal, Kluivert, Adli, Gannon-Doak.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic spoke to BBC Radio Solent after the Cherries secured European football for the first time in their history.

"It's an amazing feeling to make history here for this club and for this city," he said.

"This is my first year and we made a big step. I am not that surprised because I know the quality we have and then we have very talented players. But the job is not done.'

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds or by clicking play on the clip above

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

This one gets a little bit confusing, but Aston Villa's Europa League final win over Freiburg make things clearer.

Because England has won one of two Elite Performance Spots (EPS) for next season's Champions League, five Premier League clubs will feature in the competition instead of four. Like England, Spain have also guaranteed five clubs.

We already know that Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Villa are four of those.

But because of Villa winning the Europa League, there is a scenario where six English clubs qualify for the Champions League next term.

For that to happen, Villa would need to finish fifth.

Currently, they are fourth - three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool. That means Liverpool would need to beat Brentford and hope Villa lose at City for them to overtake Unai Emery's team.

Fans of Bournemouth and Brighton will also hope this happens. If it does, it means one of them would join Liverpool and be a sixth English team in the Champions League.

The Cherries only need a point at Nottingham Forest to guarantee a top-six finish.

Meanwhile, the Seagulls would need to beat Manchester United and for Bournemouth to lose to finish sixth.

Liverpool only need a point to guarantee a top-five finish. But if they lose at home to the Bees, they would only not finish fifth if Bournemouth win at Forest and the Cherries overturned a six-goal deficit in goal difference. Of course, if they ended up in sixth then it would be Europa League and not Champions League for the Anfield side.

Whoever finishes in seventh will also enter the Europa League.

A win for Brighton would guarantee them Europa League football at least. If the Seagulls fail to win and Chelsea win at Sunderland, the Blues would overtake Albion.

Chelsea can also overtake Brighton with a draw, if Brighton were to lose by two goals and Brentford fail to win at Liverpool.

Whoever finishes eighth will enter the Conference League next season.

Got it?

There will be no last-day drama for Nottingham Forest, who have done pretty well to stay up when you consider they have had four different managers this season.

This is Andoni Iraola's last game in charge of Bournemouth and I am expecting him to win it.

The Cherries showed how good they are against Manchester City in midweek and they will be on the front foot again here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth visit Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing they are already assured of a first European adventure next season – but they need a number of results to go their way to land a place in the Champions League.

It was Forest who enjoyed their own continental quest this year, with an impressive run to the Europa League semi-finals providing a welcome distraction to their domestic woes.

Pereira pulling up Trees

Vitor Pereira took over from Sean Dyche in February and has steered the Tricky Trees to safety thanks in no small part to an eight-game unbeaten run that ended with a 3-2 defeat by Manchester United last week.

In fact, since the Portuguese head coach's arrival, Forest have been the eighth-best team in the division.

Morgan Gibbs-White was on the scoresheet again at Old Trafford, his 14th league goal of the season, but he was absent from the England World Cup squad named by Thomas Tuchel on Friday, despite boasting better numbers than some of the attacking midfielders selected.

Pereira's side enter the final day in 16th but could still climb as high as 11th with a win and several kind results elsewhere, although this is not ordinarily a fixture they fare well in.

Forest are winless in all seven of their Premier League games against Bournemouth (D3 L4) - that's both the most they've faced a side without ever winning and the most the Cherries have played a team without losing in the competition.

Iraola's last stand

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola will want to bow out on a high in what is the Spaniard's last game before departing Vitality Stadium – and what a position he leaves the club in.

The Cherries are sixth, which may be enough for a Champions League spot, but it relies on Aston Villa, who are currently fourth, finishing fifth. Regardless, they cannot drop lower than seventh, and therefore a Europa League spot, at the very least, is guaranteed.

Had it not been for a vast number of draws, the Dorset club might already have confirmed their place among Europe's elite. They've shared the points 17 times this season; one more stalemate would set an outright Premier League record for a 38-game season.

It's already the most draws by any side finishing in the top half of the table since Newcastle United in 2003-04 (17, finished fifth).

Nine of those draws have come in Bournemouth's ongoing 17-game unbeaten run in the league, a sequence that is unrivalled in the top flight this season.

Defender Marcos Senesi will also bid farewell to the Cherries faithful on Sunday after confirming he will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.

Only left-back Adrien Truffert has played more minutes this season among his outfield team-mates, while goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic is one of just six players in the league to have played every minute of the campaign so far.

Boxer and Bournemouth fan Chris Billam-Smith speaking to Cherries: Unpicked on an episode about the club's incredible season and European qualification: "It's absolutely wild. I was there against City, tears were shed. I couldn't believe what our little old club had gone on to achieve. You kind of knew it was gong to happen at some point with the way things have been going but now it's here, it's breath-taking and out-of-this-world stuff.

"It just goes to show the belief from the owners. I have had a few conversations with Bill Foley and he just has this winning mentality. Every conversation I have had with him has involved him mentioning winning or getting things done. That belief just filters down through the whole club."

Listen above or on BBC Sounds - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Image source, Getty Images

BCP Council have approved the planning permission for the redevelopment of the Vitality Stadium.

The proposal will see the capacity increased to more than 20,000 and this will be done by replacing one stand and extending and upgrading the others.

Chairman and owner Bill Foley said: "The granting of planning permission is a major step forward in our vision for the future of this football club and the wider community.

"This project is about far more than a stadium. It is about strengthening our connection with supporters, investing in the local area, and ensuring AFC Bournemouth can continue to compete and grow at the highest level both on and off the pitch.

"I'd like to thank BCP Council and the planning committee for their efforts over the past year. We are proud of what has been achieved so far, and this approval represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for everyone connected with the club."

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On possibly qualifying for the Champions League: "Now, we are in a mood where we probably feel like it could happen. What we have to do is control what we can control, which is our result against Forest. Get the result that we need so we can finish sixth and then wait and see if there is an extra reward."

• On Nottingham Forest: "I think it is a difficult one, first of all, because of the level of the opponents is very high in terms of form and in terms of the quality of their players. They've changed a little bit the way they play, they are playing a lot of times with two number nines. Then they have lovely technical players. Gibbs-White, Hutchinson, McAtee that technically are so, so clean and they're dangerous. This is the Premier League and every time you face an opponent you face big threats. We are playing for something that could be incredible for us. You never know when the next time you're going to have a chance like this."

• On team news: "I think everyone involved in the City game will be ready again to go on Sunday. We still have tomorrow's training, but if everything goes normal, then everybody should be ready to go."

• On Alex Scott being named in England's training squad for the 2026 World Cup: "He is more than good enough to be there. I think he has been phenomenal this season, the whole season. I think in a defender role, trying to help the ones in the squad, I think he will be a great help for England. His attitude has always been top. If they need him or something happens, he will be ready. Defensively I think he is one of the best."

• On Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City: "Massive news because Pep has changed the game. I think he's influenced the leagues where he has been coaching. His time at Manchester City, I think he's been phenomenal, probably the best manager they have seen. I have played against him as a player and a coach and obviously his legacy is there. I wish him all the best."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Bournemouth? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

The European stage is officially calling Bournemouth's name!

Fern Buckley is joined by an all-star line-up of former defender Steve Cook, former winger Marc Pugh, club-record league appearance holder Steve Fletcher, former striker James Hayter and cruiserweight boxer Chris Billam-Smith to look back on a week - and a season - to remember.

They celebrate everything from an incredible Premier League season to the club's first-ever European qualification.

Listen on BBC Sounds - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, but the Cherries insist the 19-year-old is not for sale. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick says qualifying for European football "supersedes" earning promotion to the Premier League for the Cherries.

Speaking on BBC Radio Solent, after Bournemouth's draw 1-1 against Manchester City ensured them club a spot in Europe next season, Elphick said: "It supersedes all of that [promotion].

"It is very hard to compare generations because every group, in its own right, have done different things at different periods for this club, to set it up for the next generation.

"But the group we have got, the coach we have got, the one we are getting, the people who are running the football club, they are very special people.

"It's remarkable. So much credit has to be paid to so many people. It's very important that we all try to soak it up enjoy it. We have to go back a long way to credit all the people that deserve it.

"There are so many people to mention that kept the club afloat. The fans, it means so much to so many people, and it is not lost on us."

Andoni Iraola's side started off the 2025-26 campaign with an 11-game winless run, which came to an end when they beat Tottenham 3-2 in mid-January.

Since then, Bournemouth have recorded a 17-match unbeaten run, which is the longest such run in the league.

"We have never looked back from what was a really tough start. He is very unique in the way he delivers. He is very different to managers that we were all used to, but he is a special manager and an even more special man," added Elphick.

"When I joined this club all those years ago, we were fighting to get out of League One, so to be dining at the top table with the big boys is something that can't be lost on anyone.

"In football, you don't get this. This isn't normal. You're not meant to do things like this, so we have to take it all in and enjoy it."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds or by clicking play on the clip above