PHIL Brignull – one of the cornerstones of Cherries’ 1984 triumph over Manchester United – reckons Eddie Howe should stop being so modest over the club’s “greatest achievement”.

The class of 2015 created history by winning in their first league meeting with the Red Devils almost 32 years after Harry Redknapp’s Division Three Cherries dumped holders United out of the FA Cup.

It capped a remarkable eight days for the Premier League newcomers after beating Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, lauded as the “best individual result in club history” at the time by Howe.

Following Saturday’s success Howe retracted that statement, believing the comments had “disrespected” Redknapp and his giant-killers but Brignull believes Howe should soak up the praise.

Brignull told the Daily Echo: “It was amazing. I watched it with a great deal of pleasure.

“History tells us those one-off results in the cups have always happened and will continue to happen. On any given day, a lower-league side has enough to beat one of the top dogs.

“Those games are about attitude, preparation and a bit of luck but when it comes to the league, this is the most amazing year in Bournemouth’s history and to beat two of the top sides in the world on consecutive weekends has to be the greatest achievement, without a doubt.

“I don’t think it detracts from the 1984 result, it is a different time and different football world but what they’re doing now certainly outdoes that.”

And on the back of their moment in the limelight, Brignull has every faith in Cherries remaining among the elite.

“It is an amazing story and the best bit for me is that the hardcore of the players involved are the ones that got them there – that is so refreshing,” he added.

“Most clubs bomb out the boys that achieved promotion in favour of lads with experience at that level.

“I’m a West Ham fan so I keep an eye on everything and look for Bournemouth’s results – I even prayed for a Tottenham win against Newcastle and I can’t stand Spurs!

“This feelgood factor should take them into a period where they can win other games. They had some very dark days when they got beaten heavily but I think they will go on now. There are no done deals but they have every chance of survival, not only because of the way they’re playing but the fact there are three worse sides.

“It’s not just about what you do. You look at Newcastle and Sunderland and think they’re going to get a lot more points but There are other sides that you think might not have enough.”

Brignull now lives in Cheltenham and works in financial services, a career he began when injury cut short his playing career.

He also holds a voluntary post helping to manage Cardiff & Met Hockey Club where son Liam Brignull, 22, a Wales international with 49 caps, plays.