LIFE-long Cherries’ fans brought their children along to share their joy at the club’s “miraculous” promotion as players visited the town yesterday.
Three generations of one family stood together to cheer the players.
Dan Pike, 29, father Alan, 53, and children Molly, 14 months, Phoebe, two, and Liam, eight, were delighted to see the stars.
See all our pictures from the Goldsands Stadium and victory bus parade here
The eldest Mr Pike said: “I went to Tranmere yesterday, and I was a bit disappointed by the result, but overall, we’re so pleased.
“To get here from where we were – it’s brilliant.”
One of the youngest supporters was little Llana Cherry Christopher, just seven months old.
The tot’s middle name was inspired by dad Jamie’s favourite team.
Mr Christopher, 39, of Poole, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to get this far.
“It’s been a great season. It wasn’t the best start but when Eddie came along, we turned it around, and it’s been fantastic.”
Others agreed that manager Eddie Howe was responsible for the team’s success.
Chris Lofthouse, 42, who stood on Westover Road with 12-year-old son Aiden, said: “It’s a dream for us.
“We just can’t believe where we are now compared to how we started. Eddie’s the catalyst for it.”
Suzy and James Price brought sons Samuel, seven, and Ted, six, along to see the festivities.
Mr Price said: “If you’d told us that we were going to be promoted in second place back in October, we would have thought it was just a pipe dream.
“Eddie has done a great job – he’s got fantastic management skills. It is a miraculous achievement.”
Steve Fletcher paid tribute to the “courage” of the team as he stood on top of the bus in the Square, adding: “This has been a long time coming.”
Eddie Howe also thanked the club’s loyal fans. “This is an unbelievable achievement,” he said. “We would be nothing without our supporters.”
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