HARRY Redknapp saw goals from Tommy Elphick and Lewis Grabban ruin his Dean Court homecoming before saying he hoped Cherries reached the Championship play-offs.

Redknapp managed Cherries during their previous spell in the second flight between 1987 and 1990 and briefly helped the club in an advisory capacity last season.

Asked by the Daily Echo whether he saw comparisons between Eddie Howe’s class of 2014 and his team of the late 1980s, Redknapp replied: “Yes. They work very hard and have good spirit and togetherness. They give everything.

“I have been so impressed with them when I have seen them in the past 18 months. They play great football and have a fantastic young manager. It is a good club and I am pleased to see them going so well.

“It was an enjoyable day, apart from the result. The people are as good as gold. It is great to see how the club is going and I would love to see them make the play-offs.”

Asked for his opinion on Grabban, Redknapp said: “He has done well. When he looked like he was going to Brighton for a million quid, we should probably have snapped him up.

"He is full of energy, he runs behind and stretches people. He is a good player and I have been very impressed with him.”

Cherries boss Howe said: “I have so much respect for Harry as a man and a manager. It was a nice moment to win for Bournemouth but I feel for Harry because I know he hates losing and so do I.

"They are a top side and I think they have a great chance of getting promotion this season. It was nice to see him and Kevin. I’m sure he wouldn’t have enjoyed it too much but they will come again.

“Harry has been such a big supporter of this club and I don’t think people should ever underestimate that. He isn’t one of those people who have gone away and turned their back on the club.

"He has brought his teams here for pre-season and has always been willing to loan players. It was great our supporters gave him a good reception and welcomed him back because that is the type of guy he is and he deserves that respect.”