Minus 17 to European dreams as Bournemouth fairytale continues

It was a night soundtracked by the Impossible Dream.

And it was no coincidence that was the song chosen at the Vitality Stadium before Bournemouth's first European home game in the club's 127-year history.

As supporters lucky enough to bag a ticket for the historic occasion waved flags to the Andy Williams classic, a giant tifo rose from behind one of the stands, bearing the words 'Minus 17 to European dreams. AFC Bournemouth, established 1899'.

As recently as 2008, a night like this would have been unthinkable for Cherries supporters.

Just 18 years ago, Bournemouth were facing the prospect of no longer existing.

After entering administration, the club were relegated from League One after being handed a 10-point deduction.

But that was not the end of their troubles. To be allowed to compete in the 2008-09 season, Bournemouth, then managed by Eddie Howe, had to accept a further 17-point deduction in League Two.

It left them at the bottom of the Football League and seemingly destined for life as a non-league side.

By the end of the season, the Cherries had not only completed one of the greatest escapes in English football history to secure a 21st-place finish and survival, but had also laid the foundations for a decade of success, which culminated in a first promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

Fast-forward to the present day and Bournemouth are making history for all the right reasons in the Europa League. Thursday's 3-0 win over Sturm Graz meant they became only the second English side to win their first two matches in a major European competition since Bolton achieved the feat in the Uefa Cup 21 years ago.

"It's a moment that will live long in their memories," former defender Joel Ward told TNT Sports. "The club should relish this night.

"The owner [Bill Foley] manifested this moment when he first came into the club. He set the standards for this club, he has invested a lot into it and he wanted to see this club in Europe.

"He got his wish, and they have certainly started incredibly well so far."

It was a night that always seemed destined to produce a fairytale storyline, such has been the nature of Bournemouth's rise since 2008.

At Wednesday's pre-match press conference, defender Adam Smith - the club's longest-serving player after initially joining on loan from Tottenham in 2011 - admitted he would never have imagined captaining the Cherries in Europe.

But there was more to come for Smith. The right-back earned his own piece of history by providing the assist for Bournemouth's first European goal on home soil, with Evanilson heading his cross home late in the first half.

"It's been a long time coming. The fans were up for it, the players were up for it, so we are very happy," Smith told TNT Sports.

"We had a chat with each other and we got a reaction today. That's an AFC [Bournemouth] performance right there."

Since making his move from Tottenham permanent in 2014, Smith has made more than 430 appearances for the Cherries.

In that time, the 35-year-old has helped Bournemouth secure three promotions, two of which have taken them to the Premier League.

When he was replaced by James Hill midway through the second half, the home supporters rose to their feet and chanted Smith's name as he departed the field.

"He's an example to everyone of what hard work looks like and the rewards that you get, even towards the latter stages of your career," added Ward.

"He's extremely professional, and he fully deserves the success he's getting now. Nights like this are what you live for. To walk out captaining that side is emotional and makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck."