Bournemouth Exiles Club was formed in 1985 by Mick Cunningham on the terraces of Ninian Park. Mick had been struck by the number of non-Bournemouth based Cherries who were travelling to games independently, and had the bright idea of forming a club to provide organised travel and to keep them informed of the goings on at Dean Court.

The demand rapidly exceeded Mick's most optimistic expectations, and there are currently around 170 members. Membership costs £11.00 (£8.00 students/ unwaged), with family membership available at £1.00 per extra family member. Overseas membership is £13.00 (Europe) or £19.00 (rest of the world).

Travel is organised to Saturday away games, usually by train, with car-sharing and train travel for midweek games as required.

Although wholly independent, the club has always enjoyed the support of the football club, and it is hoped that this relationship will be even closer following the successful takeover by the new "community" club.

The Exiles contributed £300 to the trust fund formed to prevent the club from folding when it went into receivership last season, and we were instrumental in the formation of "Cherries International", a syndicate which raised the impressive sum of £13,000 to enable supporters to purchase shares in the new club.

Social activities organised by the club this season will include a Christmas party, attended by the players and management after the Watford home game on December 20th, and an end of season weekend based around the away game at York on 11th April. Each season we elect our player of the year, Ian Cox picking up the coveted trophy in 96-97.

Our dedicated team of researchers also present an annual pub of the season award, won last season by the 'Castle Vaults' in Shrewsbury. Our darts team, having won promotion last season, will be competing in the dizzy heights of the APFSCIL League 5-a-side first division.

Members receive the club's newsletter "Exiled" six times a year, providing a comprehensive account of events on and off the field, and an purchase bewildering range of merchandise including clothing of various sorts, key rings, car stickers and coffee mugs.

This season we will be setting up an information line to provide members with up to date information on travel, ticket availability etc.

Last updated: March 2000