LEGENDARY former AFC Bournemouth manager John Bond has thrown his weight behind the team’s League One promotion campaign.

On Saturday Cherries will meet Huddersfield at Dean Court in the first leg of the play-offs in their fight to play Championship football next season.

They then travel to Yorkshire for the second leg on Wednesday, May 18.

Bond arrived at Dean Court in 1970 when crowds were under 2,500 and the team had been relegated to Division Four.

But his arrival brought about a change in fortune and Cherries saw themselves rise up the leagues in front of crowds of up to 18,000. John’s son Kevin started as a trainee player at AFC Bournemouth and then went on to follow in his father’s footsteps as manager.

Speaking from his Manchester home, John said: “I think they have played very well all season and I think they have every chance of doing it.

“It is sad that at times the club has been quite badly run, they have faced relegation and not done themselves justice.

“But all of a sudden they seem to have picked themselves up and the club appears to be more financially stable.

“They are a really grounded football team and a well organised club now. It would be really nice to see them move up to a better league.”

• Do you know a Cherries fan who would like to get behind the team? If so email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk.