SCOTT Parker insisted David Brooks would feel the “support and strength he is going to need” as Cherries showed they were all behind the midfielder at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

The 3-0 victory over Huddersfield Town was the club’s first home game since Wales international Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Cherries showed their support by making the Warrington-born ace their cover star on the matchday programme, as well as playing messages from team-mates and Brooks’s goals ahead of kick-off.

Both Huddersfield and Cherries also warmed up in shirts showing their support for the 24-year-old, who started his treatment on Friday.

“It was a special day,” said Parker. “It was the first time our home fans and us as a football club together in this stadium could show our support for David.

“He started his treatment and it was a very big moment in terms of that.

“I think it was evident from the minute that David was diagnosed that, as a football club, and a group of people that dearly love him and are going to support him through this challenging time he is currently at.

“I know David will be watching and he will feel that support and that strength he is going to need. That was pleasing.”

As well as at the beginning and end of the Championship contest, Cherries fans chanted for Brooks after seven minutes of the clash with the Terriers.

Shortly after, the hosts were ahead through Dominic Solanke’s 10th-minute penalty.

Parker added: “I think I have said it numerous times here. At this stadium, when it gets rocking it’s an energiser.

“It’s a stadium that can generate energy in terms of its tightness, the passion of the fans.

“The intensity it brings, there’s no surprise from there you can see a group of players where it’s difficult to play against to be honest with you.

“I have been in arenas with the crowd and the difference that makes for the away team.

“For us, the support again on Saturday was magnificent really.”