Jeremy Irons is no Bournemouth fan | OneFootball

Jeremy Irons is a Portsmouth supporter, not a Bournemouth one, and it is unclear if he will head to Anoeta to watch the Cherries, the first Europa League visitors. According to Diario Vasco, his allegiance traces back to Isle of Wight ferry trips to Portsmouth.

On the south coast the true derby is Portsmouth against Southampton. Their followers tend to look down on Bournemouth, a club founded in 1890 that did not reach the top flight until 2015.

Traditionally, Bournemouth has been the friendly beach neighbour rather than a rival. Irons had little reason to dislike them, even when they signed George Best in 1982/83.

Best debuted on the last Saturday of March 1983 against Newport County. Almost 37, and after two years without regular football, he managed only five appearances and no goals.

After training he invited Harry Redknapp to Salisbury races, arriving with partner and former Miss World Mary Stävin, before asking to drop her at the station.

He played only one away game, at Southend, and missed several at Dean Court, prompting Bournemouth to post notices at the gates that he would not be playing.

His stint ended in a 2-2 draw with Wigan, led that day by caretaker Bobby Charlton. He did not record an assist, though he joined a local schools tournament and played for every side.

All of which barely touches Irons, for whom Bournemouth scarcely registers, but on 26 March 1983 Best strode out at Dean Court in all red, ball under arm.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”