Christie Eyes Wembley! Ryan's Next Big AFC Bournemouth Ambition

Ryan Christie believes AFC Bournemouth's remarkable rise is far from complete, with the midfielder insisting there are "plenty of boxes still to be ticked" as the Cherries prepare for a historic season featuring both Premier League and European football.

Fresh from signing a new contract and returning from representing Scotland at the World Cup, Christie spoke to afcbTV to reflect on his five-year journey on the south coast, the club's transformation and why the current squad are determined to keep pushing new boundaries.

When Christie arrived in 2021, Bournemouth's objective was simply to regain their Premier League status. Fast forward five years and the midfielder admits even he could never have imagined where the club would be today.

"To get back in the Premier League was the main target. But if you'd told me the position that the club is in now... the new performance centre, what we've achieved and being on the brink of playing European football, I probably wouldn't have believed you."

The Scotland international said he feels "very grateful" to have been part of the group that has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club's history, culminating in European qualification.

Christie's connection with Bournemouth now stretches far beyond football.

Since arriving, he has married his long-term partner, welcomed a child and expanded the family even further.

"We've had a baby, we've got married... we've got a dog. We've probably settled down here. We absolutely love it."

That sense of belonging made extending his stay an easy decision.

"I've loved it down here since I've joined, so it was a bit of a no-brainer."

Although Christie returned slightly later than most after his World Cup commitments, he has already been impressed by new head coach Marco Rose.

The midfielder praised the German's demanding training sessions and the energy he has brought to the squad.

"I've loved his coaching. The training's been good, intense... his attitude since he's come in the doors has lifted everybody and probably makes you even more excited for the season coming up."

Rose also made an early impression before Christie even arrived back, sending both him and Ben Gannon-Doak messages wishing them luck ahead of the World Cup.

Representing Scotland at the World Cup remains one of the proudest moments of Christie's career.

Having grown up without seeing Scotland compete regularly at major tournaments, simply walking onto the biggest stage in world football was something he once thought impossible.

"It was a crazy experience... something I never even thought was possible as a young boy."

Although Scotland exited in the group stage, Christie says the disappointment has only fuelled the desire to qualify again.

His standout memory?

"Either the national anthems or arriving at the stadium for the first game... it was hard not to get a wee bit emotional."

Christie believes Bournemouth's increasing number of international players is another sign of how far the club has come.

Watching teammates such as Rayan and Tyler Adams shine on the world stage reinforced his belief that the Cherries are now attracting elite-level talent.

"It probably just shows the journey this club's been on... it's nice to put Bournemouth on the map a little bit."

He also highlighted the balance the club has struck between expansion and maintaining its close-knit identity.

"Everything's just expanded around the club... but they've managed to keep the family feel."

Despite Bournemouth's unprecedented success, Christie insists neither he nor his teammates spend much time reflecting on their achievements. Instead, the focus remains firmly on the next challenge.

"We're always looking forward... you click your fingers and you're going again."

Asked how this Bournemouth side would like to be remembered, Christie pointed to both their style of football and a hunger for silverware.

"We want to be remembered as a successful team that plays an amazing brand of football."

And while European football represents another landmark, there is one ambition still firmly on the wishlist.

"The one thing maybe missing from this group... a run to Wembley would be pretty cool. Plenty of boxes still to be ticked".