It was remarkable journey of footballing minnows, AFC Bournemouth and Carpi FC, who have been promoted to the top tier of their respective leagues for the first time in the history of their 100 plus years in football.
As the saying goes, "Watch dreams, they do come true." It was certainly a dream come true for minnows, Bournemouth( English Football club) and Carpi FC (Italian Football club) this season. The clubs made a remarkable journey and are certain to be promoted to the top tier of their country's football league. And guess what, it is for the first time. The first time both these clubs representing in the top division of their respective leagues.
No one would belive that the both the clubs were on the cusp of extinction a few years back. Read on for their remarkable journey through all the hardships, into the top divisions.
AFC BOURNEMOUTH
The Club formed in 1890, almost avoided a relegation to the Conference Premier (5th division). The following season, they were promoted to the League One (3rd division). After making the League One play-off semi-finals in 2010–11 and achieving a mid-table finish in 2011–12, Bournemouth finally got out of League One and won promotion to the Football League Championship (2nd division) at the end of the 2012–13 season. On 27 April 2015, Bournemouth won 3-0 at home against Bolton Wanderers to all but seal promotion and a place in the Premier League for the first time in their history.
But things weren't always good for the Cherries. In February 2008, Bournemouth faced administration problems and suffered a 10-point deduction which put them in relegation trouble. Bournemouth had debts of around £4 million and almost went out of business completely. By the end of the year, it was announced that local businessman Adam Murry completed the purchase of 50% of the club's shares from previous chairman Paul Baker. Finally in June 2009, Adam Murry took over AFC Bournemouth.
That season, Eddie Howe (former player of the club) led the team to 2nd place finish and earned them a promotion to League One (3rd division). After a three year stint in League One, they were promoted to Football League Championship (2nd division). And now, are set to represent in the Premier League.
It was a remarkable journey for the Cherries.
CARPI FC
Not so far from England, Bournemouth's Italian counterparts, Carpi FC also faced a same fate. The team, just 15 years after facing an extinction from football, will represent the Serie A from next season for the first time in 100 years since their inception. After a brief stint in Serie D (5th division), the club was promoted to Serie C2 (4th division) for the 2010-11 season.
The side continued their great run and were promoted to Serie C1 (3rd division) for the following season. The side finished 3rd place in their first season in Serie C1, but failed to get promoted to next division. But in the 2012-13 season, they were promote to the Serie B (2nd division). The first season wasn't so successful for them, as they finished 12th in league. But they were on cloud 9 when they holded Bari FC for a 0-0 draw, confirming their certain promotion to Serie A for the next season.
With four games to go, the side from Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, cannot be caught by third-ranked Bologna who are 12 points behind.
Carpi, who have a home ground with a capacity of just 4144, will be holding Italain giants live Juventus, Roma etc next season.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}