Adam Smith and Tyler Adams reflected on AFC Bournemouth’s historic Europa League qualification after a record sixth-place Premier League finish. Smith called it “what dreams are made of”, while Adams praised the squad, staff and departing boss Andoni Iraola for delivering European football.
There was pride, emotion and a sense of disbelief among AFC Bournemouth’s squad after the Cherries secured a historic place in next season’s Europa League, capping off the most successful campaign in the club’s history.
A 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest confirmed a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and extended Bournemouth’s remarkable unbeaten run to 18 matches, securing European football for the first time.
Adam Smith
Speaking to afcb.co.uk, club captain Adam Smith admitted there was an initial feeling of frustration that results elsewhere denied Bournemouth a shot at the Champions League, but quickly reflected on the scale of what the side had achieved.
Speaking after leading the team for his 425th appearance for the club, Smith said: "I’m buzzing. I’m half disappointed that the other results didn’t go our way. It would have been amazing to get Champions League but let’s not get too carried away."
The defender instead focused on the wider picture, recognising how extraordinary Bournemouth’s rise has been in recent years.
"For us to finish sixth in the Premier League, go 18 games unbeaten and be in the Europa League is some achievement," he said.
Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough Smith, who has experienced both promotion and relegation with the Cherries, reflected on the journey the club has taken.
"After we had been relegated and were playing in the Championship, you just honestly never would have thought that in 2026 we would have qualified for the Europa League and finished sixth in the league. It’s what dreams are made of for this club."
The captain also credited the mentality built within the squad and coaching group for helping deliver such a memorable season.
"Somehow, we just find a way and that’s credit to the gaffer [Andoni Iraola] and all coaches. We didn’t play well in the first half today but we took it up a level in the second half and that’s the mentality the gaffer and the coaches have put in our minds."
Looking ahead, Smith admitted this achievement would remain one of the defining moments of his career.
"This is why you do it. You work hard throughout the season, you come in on Sundays to recover and train for moments like this. It’s probably something that when I retire I’ll look back on and think what an amazing time."
Tyler Adams
Midfielder Tyler Adams echoed those emotions and hailed Bournemouth’s achievement as another landmark moment in the club’s rapid progression.
The American international, who has previously reached both Champions League and Europa League semi-finals during his time at RB Leipzig, insisted European qualification should not be underestimated.
Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough"The Europa League is something special as well," Adams said. "I’ve had the opportunity to play in the Champions League and the Europa League and they are both something special."
Adams praised the collective effort across the squad and staff, saying Bournemouth had exceeded expectations despite losing key players in recent seasons.
"We’ve relied on every single person on the team, every member of the coaching and backroom staff has had an influence on that. Everyone maybe had written us off a little after the players we sold, but the replacements we brought in have been nothing short of incredible."
He also paid tribute to departing head coach Andoni Iraola, describing his influence on both the dressing room and the club’s trajectory.
"It’s sad, he’s had a huge influence on myself and the team," Adams said. "But it’s incredibly exciting that we got to send him off in this way with an achievement like this. I think he’s going to go on to do incredible things and I think the club is going to go on to do incredible things."
