Bournemouth Legend Daniels Reflects on Cherries' Rise to Glory

Bournemouth legend Charlie Daniels certainly knows a thing or two about being in the right place at the right time. Plucked from then League One rivals Leyton Orient in 2012, the defender’s time with the Cherries coincided with the club’s most successful period in their history.

Daniels played a key role for Bournemouth as they rose up the divisions to take their place alongside English football’s elite. Now 38, he still reflects fondly on his time with the South Coast club.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football , the former defender said: “It was such a pleasure to be at Bournemouth at that time and be part of a squad that got those promotions and to the Premier League for the first time.

“Playing in the Premier League was I what dreams are made of in terms of being a professional footballer, having that success and going from league to league. It was such a special moment and special changing room that we had.

“What brought us so much success was the staff we had in the changing room, the players we had in and around the football club. And then obviously the fans, the journey they went on must have been special. To see the same fans and people we saw in League One in the Premier League and have that journey with them was a really special moment.”

The mastermind behind Bournemouth’s accession through the leagues was current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe . Having rescued the club from near-oblivion a few years previously before joining Burnley , Howe returned in October 2012 and immediately galvanised the club once again.

He added: “He was a big part of the way we improved as a squad. The players that we had in the dressing room were perfect for him. The characters and everything, it was right and perfect.

“People have come and gone but the nucleus of the squad was there and it was the right people at the right time that brought us the success. Everyone together, it made it such a great environment to be in.

“The players were at the right age at the right time with the right mentality. The willingness and desire to get better and win and want to get to the next level was crucial.”

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While Bournemouth were seemingly going about their business quietly - on the surface at least - Daniels reveals that there was no sign of that within the club itself. After a disappointing end to the 2013/14 season, promotion to the Premier League was firmly on the agenda.

“Internally in the first season in the Championship, we were very confident we could get in the playoffs. We were very disappointed we didn’t, we lost five out of the last seven games,” he reveals.

“We then came in the next pre-season saying there’s no one we really fear. And then halfway through the season, we had another meeting and said ‘we can do this’. There was no one we felt was better than us in that league and having that confidence and belief in ourselves was probably the perfect storm.”

Daniels eventually went on to make 129 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth before a terrible knee injury brutally ended his time with the club. But he will long be remembered for the iconic goal he scored against Manchester City in 2017 - a stunning half-volley that whistled into the top corner.

Recounting that strike, he said: “It was again another surreal moment. Special moment for me personally. It’s one where it was the third game of the season and we hadn’t had a shot on target. As a kid, you practice the half-volleys and the same your whole career.

“And then I was just fortunate, the right place, at the right time with the right connection. To see it go in was very special. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hang on to get the three points or one point but on a personal level, it’s a very proud moment for me.”

Daniels went on to play for Shrewsbury Town, Portsmouth and Colchester United ahead of his official retirement in 2022. He however already knew his next assignment: coaching. Daniels is currently with Watford as their under-21s lead coach.

Just like in his playing career, he already has his eyes firmly fixed on the Premier League. He said: “The end goal is to become a Premier League manager or a head coach in a top league. That’s where I want to be and aspire to be.

“The journey I need to get on, it could be a long one, could be a short one. But for me, it’s about being the best I can be, the most prepared I can be when given the chance. It’s getting in the right circles, in front of the right people and showcasing myself and hopefully someone will give me the opportunity to take over one day.

“If it comes tomorrow, I’m not going to be disappointed. I’ll give it the best shot I can give. If it’s going to be five years, I’ll have to wait five years.”

Despite his allegiances to the Hornets, Daniels still keeps a keen eye on his former club. The Cherries have endured a turbulent summer having sold Milos Kerkez , Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen to Liverpool , PSG and Real Madrid respectively.

And while Daniels is aware of the challenges that defensive overhaul could present, he has backed Bournemouth to overcome them with another successful season under Andoni Iraola. “It’s a big blow, three out of the back four who have been successful, it’s a blow they’ve gone,” he added.

“What you could say is you can’t stand in people’s way with the club’s they’ve gone to or turn down the money they’ve been offered. They probably saw it coming. The people in charge are not stupid people.

“They understand and I know they would have other people in place. I’m sure there will be one or two more players they see, develop and sell for more money because it’s a club that is going in the right direction. You look at the training ground that’s been built and the stadium development, it’s a special club that’s being run in the right way and going in the right direction.

“[Antoine] Semenyo staying was a big thing. Evanilson up front is guaranteed goals. They’ve got threats up at the top of the pitch and if they keep it up, they’ll be fine.”

One of the players sold by Bournemouth this season could enjoy a swift reunion with the Cherries. Hungarian left-back Kerkez is set to line up against his former side as Bournemouth travel to Liverpool on Friday.

Daniels believes he could go on to be a huge success at Anfield. He said: “I think he could be very effective. If you look at Andy Robertson and the way he has played for Liverpool, Milos has the same energy, work rate and quality.

“I think it’s a fantastic acquisition. If you look at the way Arne Slot wants to play, it’s a great fit for everyone. He’s obviously gone for big money but he’s gone at the right price.”

And that’s the key description that Daniels reiterates. Right. The right player at the right time. Just like himself and his Bournemouth teammates.

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