DEFENDER Chris Mepham described as “unbelievable” Cherries’ promotion to the Premier League and added: “Everyone is buzzing right now and rightly so.”

The centre-half came off the bench to replace Jaidon Anthony in the latter stages at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday, as the Dorset club sealed a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

That result ensures Scott Parker’s side would finish runners-up in the Championship this season and return to the top flight at the second time of asking.

Asked to describe the feeling of returning to England’s elite level, Mepham told the Daily Echo: “Unbelievable.

“I think it’s something the lads have been thinking about from day one. Our objective this year was to get promoted.

“We have had a few bumps along the way but I think on Tuesday it showed what we are all about. Scrapping and fighting for everything.

“It’s good to get it over the line, it’s a long old season – a lot of games but I think everyone is buzzing right now and rightly so.”

Quizzed about the scenes in the dressing-room post-match, the Wales international said: “It’s something I wanted to picture. The past couple of weeks I have been thinking about if we get it over the line.

“I think the gaffer mentioned it before the game. He had a visualisation in terms of where the game would go and I think we were the same as players.

“We all just wanted that feeling when full-time came and it’s amazing. The celebrations speak for themselves.”

Mepham could be involved when Cherries host Millwall in their season finale at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (12.30pm).