Christie on Messi and a 'non-existent' dreampublished at 09:31 BST 18 June
09:31 BST 18 June
Tom English BBC Scotland's chief sports writer in Charlotte
Image source, Getty Images
Relaxing with his team-mates in their hotel in uptown Charlotte, Ryan Christie watched the Lionel Messi show on Tuesday evening. Agog, like the rest of us. An international footballer, yes, but in those moments of magic from the great man, just another mortal.
"When you chill out a bit, you turn back into a spectator," said the Bournemouth and Scotland midfielder.
"Watching Messi [scoring a hat-trick against Algeria] and stuff like that, it's incredible to watch that happen. It's immense and pretty surreal, to be honest.
"When I was younger, I idolised Messi, so to think you're playing on the same kind of stage as him now is pretty cool, especially the age he's at. Watching him do his thing was unbelievable."
Tuesday was moving day in America, to an extent. A treble for Messi and doubles for Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland - the big boys came out to play. The tournament seemed to find another gear in the process.
For Christie, there was never any thought in his young head that he would ever make it to a stage like this. "Non-existent," he said. "I don't know if it sounds bad to say that.
"I had aspirations of playing for Scotland when I was growing up - that was my pinnacle - but you didn't ever think further than that. I never, ever envisioned playing at a Euros, never mind the World Cup.
"I didn't watch Scotland in a major tournament, so in my head that just wasn't really a possibility at that point - and probably why, all those years down the line, when we had that night in Serbia [qualifying for the first Euros under Steve Clarke] it hit home so much."
Christie has just signed a new deal with Bournemouth and will remain at the club until 2029. He is, as they say, in a good place. Messi's exploits at 38 - he will be 39 this month - offers Christie a world of encouragement that this World Cup doesn't necessarily have to be his last.
In England, he sees players getting better with age, guys in their mid-30s who are still operating well at the top level. "Some are pushing for the high-30s and still churning out unbelievable performances week in, week out," he said.
'The future is bright for Scott' - Goslingpublished at 11:00 BST 17 June
11:00 BST 17 June
Media caption,
Former Bournemouth midfielder Dan Gosling believes 22-year-old Alex Scott is "another player who is going to go for big money" within the next two seasons.
"He was unlucky to miss out on the World Cup," Gosling told BBC Radio Solent. "His form has been amazing since he joined Bournemouth, but he has really stepped up this past season and he is now being linked with Liverpool and Manchester United.
"You have to look at the players he is competing against in that England team, such as £100m Declan Rice, £100m-rated Elliot Anderson, world-class Jude Bellingham, and Morgan Rogers who has just had the season of his life.
"Thomas Tuchel didn't want to take players he felt wouldn't get the minutes they deserved - and Scott probably just fell into that category, which is really unlucky. I don't think he is far away from getting in that team and playing.
"He just needs to keep his head down and keep doing what he is doing. I'm sure he will because he is a fantastic lad. Everybody I speak to says he is a great lad with a great temperament, so the future is bright for him."
On Arsenal's rumoured interest in Scott, Gosling added: "He has a couple of years left on his current contract and Bournemouth will be looking to tie him down to a new deal.
"He is going to have the pick of three or four of the best clubs in England if his form carries on, which I'm sure it will do. He is another player who is going to go for big money, whether it is in this transfer window or next summer.
"I feel really sorry for the club at the moment because they keep having to sell their best players, but it is testament to how well they are run."
Listen to the full conversation by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here
Cherries 'hopeful' they can deter buyerspublished at 10:39 BST 16 June
10:39 BST 16 June
Media caption,
Alexander Smith, senior sports journalist at the Bournemouth Daily Echo, thinks Bournemouth "feel confident" they can keep hold of key players after last season's sixth-placed finish.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, he said: "The main priority is making sure they keep hold of as many players as they possibly can. The three names they are most concerned about losing are Alex Scott, Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi."
Kroupi has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal in recent weeks.
"They feel confident of keeping hold of them but you never know with the season they had last season," Smith added. "Someone could come in and offer an awful lot of money and make them an offer that they can't refuse. I'm hopeful and cautiously optimistic that they can keep hold of them."
The Cherries will play in European competition for the first time in their history next season and Smith thinks that puts them in a "better position" in terms of the players that are attracting interest and says it is in Bournemouth's hands regarding contracts.
He added: "They're planning to offer a new contract to Alex Scott. Rayan and Junior Kroupi are both tied in. Junior Kroupi doesn't have a release clause, Rayan does but it's not active yet so those two they are feeling like they can be quite bullish and turn down any lowball offers and push for anything much, much higher than clubs might be willing to pay, which puts them in a good position.
"I think they are hopeful that they can ward off any potential buyers and keep the selling down to a minimum.
"In terms of incomings, the main priority in the short term will be replacing Marcos Senesi and then potentially getting a new striker if Enes Unal leaves.
"They will probably want to bring in a couple more on top of that at least to make sure they have got two good options in every single position for the season to come and make sure that they have a bit more depth in key areas like the wings, forward positions and in central midfield.
"It will be another case of recruiting cleverly and trying to bring in players on good deals here and there."
'Gannon-Doak what you want a Scotland player to be'published at 16:01 BST 15 June
16:01 BST 15 June
Amy Canavan BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, Getty Images
It was evident early doors for Scotland against Haiti that if anything was going to happen, Bournemouth's Ben Gannon-Doak would be at the heart of it.
Keeping it simple, when he received the ball down the right, he looked to attack. A sight that makes Scotland supporters rejoice, such has been its rarity in recent times.
When Scott McTominay hit the post, it was on the end of another dazzling Gannon-Doak burst. He set up Che Adams shortly after for a shot that would be parried right in the path of John McGinn, who was wheeling away in ecstasy seconds later as Scotland scored their first World Cup goal since 1998.
For 83 minutes, Gannon-Doak was the youngest man to appear at a World Cup for Scotland. That's until his 19-year-old pal Findlay Curtis came on.
The pair play in a carefree manner. They don't carry the years of missed qualifications or even the recent disappointments at the Euros. And it shows.
Gannon-Doak departed with 15 minutes to go. A collective gulp was inhaled.
"He had a cracker," former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Sportsound, with the player ratings describing Gannon-Doak as having "become Scotland's chief creative force".
"He's what you want a Scotland player to be," added ex-captain Scott Brown on BBC One.
Like few others, Gannon-Doak gets the faithful going. Believing. Hoping.
Like the rest of his generation, we've grown up believing 'it's the hope that kills you', but with this 20-year-old driving the team, it's difficult not to.
Bournemouth midfielder Christie signs new dealpublished at 13:37 BST 13 June
13:37 BST 13 June
Image source, Reuters
Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie has signed a new contract to extend his stay until the summer of 2029.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a fine season under Andoni Iraola and is with the Scotland side who play Haiti at the World Cup on Sunday (02:00 BST).
Christie said: "It feels brilliant and I'm absolutely delighted. Especially after the way the season finished, it's been such an incredible year for the club having qualified for Europe. I'm looking forward to next season already.
"When I joined the club, I obviously had aspirations to play in the Premier League and I strongly believed we could get promoted but the journey we've been on since then has been incredible."
'Unal has to go' - fans on who they would keep, loan and sellpublished at 12:54 BST 12 June
12:54 BST 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who you would like Bournemouth to keep, loan and sell from the squad this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Ben: I definitely think Bafode Diakite is a fringe player after being phased out of the starting XI, though I'm hoping he will be able to impress the new manager. Sending Veljko Milosavljevic out on loan seems like the most sensible option, given the fact he's still only 18. Then I do think Enes Unal has to go - not the type of striker that will be challenging Evanilson's starting spot and needs to be replaced.
Drew: Keep - probably Amine Adli. Has come up with some big goals and looks like he is trying too hard. He has all the attributes to become big for us. Loan - Julio Soler. Could do with being the main man for a team to develop him. Sell - Unal. He needs to play for someone and I'm not sure he is Premier League level following his injuries - would cook in the Italian leagues.
Cathy: Keep Adrien Truffert definitely. Sell Unal and maybe Matai Akinmboni on loan.
Alex: Keep: aside from the obvious shouts of Eli Junior Kroupi, Alex Scott and Ryan Christie, James Hill is the player we absolutely need to keep - was immense when he came into the starting line-up, and was a huge reason we're on the unbeaten run. Loan: Ben Gannon-Doak needs minutes. There's a player in there who just needs to develop, obviously not helped by his injury. Sell: Romain Faivre has done nothing since we signed him, club obviously doesn't see anything in him, so just get his wages off the books.
Chris: Keep Ben Gannon-Doak. I think he'll be a star in the Scotland team at the World Cup and be a key player next season, especially when first-team players get injured. Loan out Julio Soler. He's a great youngster but Truffert didn't miss a game since coming in and has stamina for days, so Soler is not getting any pitch time. Sell: Bafode Diakate. James Hill being chosen over him after a big-money move shows how far off the Premier League he is, and we have Milosavljevic competing for the right centre-back position. At 25, is he going to go up another gear?
Peter: Keep Kroupi. Loan Unal. Buy Nathan Ake
Keith: Definitely worth keeping Alex Toth. I think we have another gem ready to replace Alex Scott. Sadly, Bafo Diakite didn't impress so a loan period to boost his confidence could be the answer. Love Enes Unal but injuries have meant reduced opportunities, so I think he's likely to be sold.
🎧 Christie guests on Rooney showpublished at 16:00 BST 11 June
16:00 BST 11 June
Bournemouth star Ryan Christie joins the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show to chat about the current Scotland squad, their belief in the team, and which players will have the biggest impact.
Three days out from Scotland's opening game against Haiti - live on the BBC - and the brazen optimism is in full flow.
Two years ago Scotland faced hosts Germany in the tournament opener, a 5-1 defeat that Christie vividly recalls as a "humbling" experience and one he points to when discussing the Group C schedule, which is rounded off with an "iconic" game against Brazil.
"Everybody's at the World Cup on merit, so there are no easy games," the Cherries midfielder said. "I don't think we're expecting that.
"But it gives us the chance to get off to a good start. You probably look at the group and that's the easiest on paper.
"You'd rather face them than Brazil first. I know that from facing Germany at the opening of the last Euros. That was a humbling experience.
"I'm still having nightmares about that. But hopefully we can learn from that experience and start this one a bit better."
'Talk about taking a step backwards' - fans on Senesi exitpublished at 11:31 BST 11 June
11:31 BST 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Marcos Senesi joining fellow Premier League club Tottenham after his contract expires.
Here are some of your comments:
Harry: For me, it sounds like he went for the money, as Spurs don't have a wage cap. I'm annoyed that Spurs could be a top team again but, then again, most of our players who go to 'big clubs' play worse. We just have to replace the ones who leave with good, young players.
Dave: This must be a silly move. Why move from a club in Europe to a team that was nearly relegated?
Paul: Extremely strange decision. Leaving a club playing in Europe to go to a place in freefall, who have deservedly been at the bottom of the table consistently and only escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth two years in a row.
Marty: Unbelievable sums it up for me. Talk of going to all these big clubs and he ends up there. Talk about taking a step backwards.
Malcolm: Sad to see him go, especially after this past season, but wish him good luck at Tottenham. Once again, we need to replace a central defender but I trust our recruitment department and I'm sure the wheels have been in motion for some time.
DA: They should have given Senesi more game time the previous season, probably had his nose put out of joint. Spurs is a backward step. Bournemouth seem to let slip really good players go on frees instead of tying them done to longer contracts! Great season ahead for little old Bournemouth in Europe for the first time ever!
Keith: Senesi, like Antoine Semenyo, showed what a great guy he is. Giving full commitment to the end, even ending the last game with his head bandaged due to brave defending. Feels like a huge loss at present, but let's have faith that our recruitment team find another gem.
Senesi joins Spurs - how do you feel about the defender's exit?published at 17:40 BST 10 June
17:40 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
Marcos Senesi will join fellow Premier League club Tottenham on 1 July, following the expiration of his current contract at Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth said they had offered the defender new terms when announcing their released and retained list for the 2026-27 Premier League season on Wednesday.
BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella previously reported that Senesi, who did not make Argentina's final World Cup squad, was closing in on a move to Spurs on a free transfer.
It comes after Bournemouth stepped back on efforts to retain the valuable centre-back, who made 128 appearances over a four-year spell on the south coast, after he turned down a third contract offer in December.
How do you feel about another summer with an important player heading for the exit door, despite the Cherries playing in Europe next season?
Cherries retain continuitypublished at 11:28 BST 10 June
11:28 BST 10 June
Bournemouth have announced their retained list for the 2026-27 Premier League season, with no major surprises and a healthy dose of continuity on offer.
The club says it has offered terms to goalkeeper Fraser Forster and defender Marcos Senesi, who is expected to depart.
Beyond those doubts and potential exits, the first-team squad will remain in place.
The club said: "The Cherries have exercised options and retained the majority of the club's first-team squad ahead of the new campaign, including a number of senior internationals and emerging young talents."
"The one thing about Matt above all else, aside from being a wonderfully talented football player, he's an amazing guy," Partington said.
"He's a real contributor to that Cherries side, on and off the pitch. Often people don't see what professional footballers are doing away from football.
"He's been really studying for something like this, he's close friends with Francis as well, so I'm sure there will have been a lot of conversation between the two of them.
"In the later stage of someone's career you do start to piece together what they may have learned. What traits may allow you to be successful. I'm hoping he's going to be successful. I know he's put a lot into being prepared for this, but I think it's a good move."
The Bournemouth players at the World Cuppublished at 07:34 BST 9 June
07:34 BST 9 June
The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Cherries selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.
The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.
Bournemouth's World Cup contingent:
Tyler Adams (United States)
Ryan Christie (Scotland)
Ben Gannon-Doak (Scotland)
Justin Kluivert (Netherlands)
Alex Paulsen (New Zealand)
Rayan (Brazil)
Image caption,
The above graphic is based on the 2025-26 Premier League clubs and squad lists
Bournemouth appoint Ritchie as technical directorpublished at 14:16 BST 8 June
14:16 BST 8 June
Jordan Clark and Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth have appointed former player Matt Ritchie as technical director to replace Simon Francis.
The 36-year-old joins after an agreement was reached with Reading to bring him back to the south coast, following Francis's expected departure to Saudi Arabia.
It was considered important for the Cherries to have a former player working alongside experienced sporting director Tiago Pinto, helping the club remain close to its players and maintain an understanding of its values.
His responsibilities will include recruitment, player pathways, squad planning and overall football strategy.
Ritchie made 142 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring 31 goals. He has also been part of Champions League squads at other clubs and has represented Scotland at international level.
Meanwhile, Pinto has a pre-existing relationship with Ritchie, who has been working towards his coaching A Licence in the club's academy.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk on the appointment, the club's president of football operations Tiago Pinto shared his delight: "Matt's connection with AFC Bournemouth, combined with his experience throughout the game, makes him an excellent addition to the technical team and someone I'm looking forward to working with closely.
"As we continue to grow as a club, it is important that we maintain the DNA, values and identity that have brought us success. Matt will play an important role in helping us do that while also driving the club forward."
Ritchie also commented: "AFC Bournemouth has always meant a huge amount to me, so to return in this capacity is incredibly special.
"I've spent a long time preparing for what's next for me after playing, learning from experienced people across the game and developing my understanding of the technical and strategic side of football. Now I've met Marco, I'm even more excited about what is to come and look forward to working together.
"It's a fantastic opportunity and can't wait to begin working with the staff, players and ownership group as we continue building for the future. I'd like to emphasise my thanks to Bill [Foley], Ryan [Caswell] and Tiago [Pinto] for the opportunity and belief they've shown in me."
Physical striker and replacement for Senesi - fans on changes this summerpublished at 16:46 BST 5 June
16:46 BST 5 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Bournemouth before the new campaign and why.
Here are some of your comments:
Terry: Season tickets - not everyone has mobile phones for digital tickets. I love Evanilson but we need someone to get 15-20 a season as a striker. Maybe under Rose, he will.
Paul: We don't want to lose any of our best players this summer and we need to increase the number of players in our squad to cope with playing in Europe.
Don: Sell Enes Unal and buy a big physical striker - Mateta style - in his place.
Chris: A new centre-back to replace Senesi, potentially some more full-back cover. Up front it would be good to get another striker to replace Unal and a back-up keeper. But most of all retain our key three - Scott, Kroupi and Rayan.
Marty: Stop selling players and start signing some that can play immediately.
PFA player of the year shortlist announcedpublished at 11:45 BST 5 June
11:45 BST 5 June
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya have been nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association men's player of the year award alongside Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.
Midfielder Rice, defender Gabriel and goalkeeper Raya were all key players as Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Striker Haaland netted 27 goals to end as the division's leading scorer, while Cherki enjoyed a successful first season in the Premier League.
Fernandes won the Football Writers' Association's men's footballer of the year award for the 2025-26 campaign.
The winners will be honoured on Tuesday, 25 August at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester.
Cherki has also been nominated for the PFA young player of the year award, alongside City team-mate and England international Nico O'Reilly, who was named as the Premier League's young player of the season last week.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, another England international, is also among the nominees after playing a key role in Michael Carrick's side.
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi is another on the shortlist after he scored 13 goals in 33 matches in his debut Premier League campaign.
Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha, who have represented England at under-19 level, complete the list of nominees thanks to their performances for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.
With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.
Which clubs have the most players?
Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).
Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.
The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.
