Back From The Brink: Cherries Set For Top Flight

Bournemouth have effectively guaranteed promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their 116-year history - just seven years after they faced extinction.

The club's 3-0 victory at home to Bolton means only a near-impossible swing in goal difference on the final day would prevent them reaching the top division.

Dean Court erupted in wild celebrations as goals from Marc Pugh, Matt Ritchie and Callum Wilson secured the vital win.

It comes just seven years since the club fell into administration amid crippling debts, before a 17-point penalty meant they needed a last-day win in 2009 to avoid dropping out of the Football League.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said: "I am an eternal pessimist and we still have a game to play, but ... It's been incredible, it really has.

"This club was heading nowhere, out of business, and it's been such a short turnaround.

"A lot of people have put hard work in, the fans have put their hands in their pockets.

"You don't achieve anything on your own. It's taken a monumental effort from the players and the management team. This is a joint achievement.

"I can't even think about that (the Premier League). I want to savour this."

When asked if the Championship title still remains a priority, Howe added: "The title matters, we'd love to win it."

Bournemouth would have to lose at Charlton and suffer a 20-goal swing in Middlesborough's favour on the last day of the Championship season on Saturday not to be promoted.

Charlton's official Twitter account teased Cherries' fans ahead of the game with a message saying: "Bournemouth celebrating like they've completely ruled out a 19-0 defeat at The Valley on Saturday. We'll see ..."

Former manager Harry Redknapp, who had 464 games in charge of the Cherries, said Howe should be made the "Lord Mayor of Bournemouth".

"Eddie deserves to be the Lord Mayor or something," said Redknapp, watching the game for Sky Sports.

"It's fantastic, thoroughly deserved. They've been amazing all year and the football they produced tonight they have produced all year.

"It's a pleasure to come and watch them. Everybody has played a great part, the owner has put the money in, the chairman, the chief exec ... Eddie has done an amazing job. A fantastic manager.

"This is the best team in the history of Bournemouth."