"RED Army!" Eddie Howe's barmy army came from far and wide to cram onto the sands of Bournemouth beach to celebrate Cherries' promotion to the Premier League.

Paragliders, boat crews and of course spectators as far as the eye could see, greeted the players, with passionate cheers and chants filling the seafront.

It was the cherry on top of the cake for the newly-crowned champions, whose whirlwind week of promotion was still sinking in with the players and staff, let alone the fans.

Speaking to the crowd, manager Eddie Howe said: "I just want to say a big thank you to everybody; you have been magnificent.

"Thank you to every single one of you here today.

"It just goes to show how much people care about the club and how passionate Bournemouth is about their football club."

He urged the crowds to sing a chant for each individual player, while the team sprayed the crowds with Champagne.

"I would really like the Bournemouth people to start singing about the players; they are the ones that have got us here", he added.

When it got to goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who is on loan from Saints, fans urged Howe to sign him up permanently.

And a massive cheer was also reserved for Jeff Mostyn, who bowed down to the bumper crowd singing his name.

Captain, Tommy Elphick, said: "To see everybody here, it is amazing.

"To do this for all our fans feels brilliant.

"This season has been unbelievable."

Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Mayne, said: "I am so honoured to join you here today and be part of the celebrations and share in your success.

"AFC Bournemouth, you have done the town proud. I have so much admiration for the team and management but also the support they have received.

"History has been made this last week."

AFC Bournemouth chairman, Jeff Mostyn, who was seen embracing fans at the seafront and having pictures taken with them, said: "I love our fans. What an amazing turnout.

"This is just absolutely incredible.

"Just driving along the seafront and seeing the thousands of people, is so moving.

"That just shows how much respect our supporters have for the club, Eddie and their players.

"I said to the players, today is our chance to show our respect and love for all the fans.

"While Eddie is happiest on the training ground, I am happiest with the fans.

"We are a family club, so to do this with our families, is a great occasion."

Cherries winger Marc Pugh, who scored the opening goal against Bolton last Monday, told the Daily Echo:

"Today is just unbelievable.

"This is an amazing day and we couldn't have done this without our supporters.

"It is an unbelievable feeling seeing all these people coming out.

"When we got to the Championship two years ago, we just thought, we'll give this a go.

"In our first season we couldn't believe it.

"But we have got the talent and have been so consistent this season. 

"It still doesn't feel real though. I don't think it will until we play the first game.

"I'm just really looking forward to testing myself and I know the rest of the team will be as well."