JONATHAN Woodgate admitted it had been "overwhelming" to receive so many "positive messages" from Cherries fans, adding how having them back in the stadium on Monday was "electrifying".

Just over 2,000 fans returned to Vitality Stadium for the visit of Brentford in the Championship play-off semi-finals, five months on from when they were last in attendance after easing of coronavirus restrictions this week.

And they made their presence felt, helping Cherries to a 1-0 victory in the first leg, with Arnaut Danjuma on target.

Given Woodgate was appointed as Cherries head coach in February, Monday night was the first time he had taken charge of the team in front of supporters.

Asked how he found the experience, Woodgate told the Daily Echo: "It’s unusual to be honest with you, because over the last year or so we haven’t had fans.

"But for them to be here, the atmosphere is just unbelievable. It’s electrifying isn’t it when fans are in the stadium?

"You must feel it as well, the atmosphere is brilliant. I felt that helped our players.

"They were constantly behind them, they liked the way we were playing and they fully bought into what the team was doing.

"The team was working hard, the team were attacking quick and that’s what you want to see.

"We’re going to Brentford and the shoe is on the other foot. So let’s see what their fans are like. I’m sure they’ll be bang up for it as well. But we know we’re going there and it’s game on. We know how difficult it’s going to be."

Despite not seeing many fans in person in recent months, Woodgate is active on social media, with around 61,000 followers on Instagram.

Asked if he had any message for the Cherries supporters after their return to Vitality Stadium, the boss said: "Just how good they were. Thank you really.

"The positive messages I’ve had myself personally have been overwhelming at times, so I’d like to say thank you to them."

Brentford are set to welcome 4,000 supporters to the Brentford Community Stadium for the return leg on Saturday (12.30pm).

And Bees boss Thomas Frank feels his side's fans can eclipse what Cherries' did on Monday.

“I think it was fantastic to have the fans out there – really, really good," said the Dane.

“I think the Bournemouth fans did a good job. I expect our fans to do a better job – just like we need to do a better job than Bournemouth did on Monday.

“Hopefully that can be the outcome."