BOURNEMOUTH, England (AP) -- In this seaside town better known for its pier and pensioners than sports, the decades of fighting just to ensure its professional soccer club still exists have paid off. For the first time in its 116-year history, AFC Bournemouth will be playing in England's topflight next season.
Related Stories
- Soccer-Bournemouth all but promoted to Premier League Reuters
- Bournemouth on brink of promotion to Premier League AFP
- Bournemouth beat Bolton, all but officially seal promotion to the Premier League NBC Sports
- Soccer-Factbox on AFC Bournemouth Reuters
- Soccer-Sleepy Bournemouth's top-flight dream becomes a reality Reuters
Bournemouth faced financial ruin twice in the last 20 years and was on the brink of relegation to the fifth tier six years ago, but is now preparing for the Premier League and a windfall of at least $180 million.