Welcome to a new series of articles from Last Word on Football. During the coming days and weeks, we will be looking back at some of the historical moments in football and asking, “What if?”. Today, we ask, “What if goal-line technology was working when Bournemouth were relegated?”.
What if Bournemouth Weren’t Relegated Unjustly?
What Happened?
On June 17, 2020, Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Sheffield United at Villa Park. This put Dean Smith’s side just a point off of safety.
However, in the 42nd minute, a deep Ollie Norwood free-kick was caught by Orjan Nyland who appeared to be inside his own goal. Replays showed that the ball fully crossed the line, but referee Michael Oliver’s watch did not buzz and therefore play continued.
Just a day later, Hawk-Eye apologised and admitted that the ball had crossed the line. The mistake was due to all seven of their cameras being “obscured by either the goalkeeper, a defender or the goalpost.”.
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We cannot be sure that the match would’ve ended 1-0 to the away team, but the Blades were 6th at the time with the Villans 19th.
Where Would Bournemouth Be?
If the match had finished as a Sheffield United win, AFC Bournemouth would have finished on level points with Aston Villa and with a goal difference of at least two better. The sides would have switched places, leaving the Cherries in 17th and safe from relegation.
Would Eddie Howe Have Left?
Eddie Howe is the most legendary man in Bournemouth’s history. The manager left the club following relegation but may have stayed if goal-line technology was working. This firstly may have led to the seaside team bouncing back and finishing high in the following season where superpowers like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur finished 8th and 7th.
Secondly, Newcastle United may not have picked him up after the PIF takeover, potentially preventing their Champions League campaign.
Thirdly, Andoni Iraola may not have signed. But more on this to come.
Would Bill Foley Have Bought?
Bill Foley acquired the club in 2022, for reportedly just over £100 million. This was during their first season back in the Premier League, and they were in a bad relegation battle.
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Had the Cherries stayed up in 2020, they may have been in a better position and Maxim Denim may not have so willingly sold.
This would prevent Foley’s huge spending: around £170 million in transfer fees and plans for a new stadium. Ambitious signings such as Alex Scott for £25 million and Illia Zabarnyi for £20 million may have never happened.
Furthermore, it would prevent the appointment of Iraola – the tactical master and the fan’s leader. We don’t know where the Basque manager will guide his squad to next season, but it could be to great heights.
Key Players Kept?
In the summer of 2020, Bournemouth lost many key assets. Aaron Ramsdale went to Sheffield United, a move that was largely motivated by a place in the Premier League. The ripple effect of this is that Arsenal would not have endured the famous goalkeeper dilemma with David Raya.
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Callum Wilson transferred to Newcastle United and cemented his place as a Premier League bagsman. He’s scored 46 goals for the Magpies including an incredible 18 in the league last campaign.
Keeping these two alongside Howe, whilst remaining in the top flight, would have left the side in a good position.
Nathan Ake left for Manchester City in the same summer but probably would have left regardless of relegation. However, a fee greater than £40 million may have been generated if Bournemouth had not been forced to sell.
Would Bournemouth Be Better or Worse?
Bournemouth didn’t have a good season in 2019/20. Howe may have left either way and didn’t have a great tactical campaign regardless.
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The Cherries would’ve likely been relegated in the following one or two terms and, unless they got re-promoted instantly, wouldn’t have been purchased by Foley.
Therefore, Bournemouth likely would’ve missed out on the great investment and bold decisions made by the Black Knight Group that leaves them in such a promising position: 10th with two games to play. Was the relegation a blessing in disguise?
