Who Owns AFC Bournemouth?

AFC Bournemouth was founded in 1899 as Boscombe FC by John C. B. Cooper and other local residents. The club was renamed AFC Bournemouth in 1923 to reflect the town's name more accurately. The club spent much of its early history in regional leagues before joining the Football League in 1923. This founding as a community-based football club established AFC Bournemouth's distinctive identity as a club that would serve its local community while maintaining competitive ambitions that would eventually lead to historic achievements.

The club played at Dean Court stadium throughout its history, with the ground being rebuilt and expanded over decades. AFC Bournemouth experienced fluctuating fortunes, moving between different divisions of English football throughout the 20th century. This period of ups and downs demonstrated the challenges faced by smaller clubs in maintaining competitive consistency while adapting to changing football landscapes and financial realities.

A significant turning point came in 2008 when the club faced financial difficulties and potential liquidation. Supporters' group AFC Bournemouth Supporters' Trust played a crucial role in saving the club. Under manager Eddie Howe, who joined in 2008, the club experienced remarkable success, climbing from League Two to the Premier League. This remarkable turnaround demonstrated the power of community involvement and effective management in transforming a struggling club into a competitive force.

The club achieved promotion to the Premier League for the first time in its history in 2015, marking a historic achievement for a club of its size. After several seasons in the top flight, the club established itself as a Premier League regular before Foley's acquisition in 2022. This historic promotion demonstrated AFC Bournemouth's ability to compete at the highest level of English football while maintaining the community values and local identity that had defined the club for over a century.